Cambodia’s Trade Momentum Accelerates Beyond US$65 Billion
Cambodia recorded a major milestone in its external trade performance in 2025, with total international trade surpassing US$65.25 billion, reflecting a robust year on year growth of 18 percent compared to 2024, as reported by the Ministry of Commerce. This strong expansion signals renewed confidence in the Kingdom’s economic fundamentals and its growing integration into global markets, supported by steady demand for Cambodian products and improved trade facilitation. The performance highlights Cambodia’s resilience amid global uncertainties and reinforces its position as an increasingly active trading nation in the region.
Export Growth Driven by Manufacturing and Agriculture
Exports remained a key engine of growth, reaching US$31.28 billion in 2025, an increase of 17 percent from US$26.75 billion in the previous year. Cambodia’s export portfolio continued to expand across both manufacturing and agricultural products, with major outbound goods including garments, machinery, electrical equipment, footwear, leather goods, grains, furniture, rubber, fruits, vegetables, pearls, toys, and textiles. This diversified mix underscores the Kingdom’s gradual transition from reliance on a narrow range of products toward a broader and more resilient export base capable of responding to varied international demand.
Rising Imports Reflect Strong Domestic and Industrial Demand
Imports also climbed sharply, rising by more than 18 percent to US$33.96 billion, indicating strong domestic consumption and sustained demand for industrial inputs. China, the United States, and Vietnam remained Cambodia’s largest trading partners, reflecting deepening economic ties with major global and regional economies. The growth in imports mirrors expanding production capacity, infrastructure development, and consumer activity, all of which are essential components of long term economic growth.
Government Reforms Fuel Trade Diversification
Minister of Commerce H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul attributed the strong trade performance to comprehensive reforms led by the Royal Government of Cambodia, particularly those aimed at diversifying products and export destinations. “These figures reflect the results of targeted measures implemented by the Royal Government of Cambodia to strengthen diversification in domestic production and international exports,” she said during the opening ceremony of the Ministry’s annual meeting reviewing achievements in 2025 and setting priorities for 2026. Her remarks highlighted the impact of policy consistency, strategic planning, and institutional coordination in strengthening Cambodia’s trade competitiveness.
Digital Trade Facilitation and Capacity Building
The Ministry of Commerce has also intensified efforts to enhance trade efficiency by strengthening trade capacity and simplifying export procedures through digital ecosystems. These initiatives are designed to reduce administrative burdens, improve transparency, and enable businesses of all sizes to participate more easily in international trade. Digitalization has become a cornerstone of Cambodia’s trade strategy, supporting faster processing times and better access to global markets.
Garment and Footwear Sector Remains the Backbone
Despite diversification efforts, the garment, footwear, and travel goods sector continues to be Cambodia’s largest source of foreign exchange, accounting for around 50 percent of total export value. According to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, the sector includes approximately 1,608 factories and provides employment to about 913,000 workers, the majority of whom are women. This sector remains a critical pillar of inclusive growth, job creation, and income generation across the country.
Conclusion
Cambodia’s strong international trade performance in 2025 reflects the combined impact of effective government reforms, expanding industrial capacity, and improved trade facilitation. With exports and imports both rising sharply and diversification gaining momentum, the Kingdom is well positioned to deepen its integration into global value chains. Sustained focus on digital transformation, workforce development, and market expansion will be essential to maintaining this positive trajectory and ensuring long term, inclusive economic growth.