Cambodia Imports $500m Thai Goods Despite Border Tensions

Cambodia imported more than $500 million worth of goods from Thailand in the first quarter of 2026, despite an ongoing boycott sentiment and the closure of land borders between the two countries for nearly a year. Total bilateral trade reached $696.19 million between January and March, marking a 39.4% decline compared with the same period in 2025. Cambodian exports to Thailand totalled $181.29 million, down 29%, while imports fell 42.4% to $514.9 million.

Get today's headlines by email

The figures, reported by Cambodia’s General Department of Customs and Excise, show that trade has continued through alternative routes, including via Laos and maritime transport. Cambodia recorded a trade deficit of $333.61 million, significantly lower than the $638.13 million deficit in the first quarter of 2025. Thailand remained Cambodia’s fifth-largest trading partner, behind China, the United States, Vietnam and Japan.

Tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand land border since 2025 have contributed to reduced trade and prompted Cambodian consumers to scale back purchases of Thai goods. At the same time, domestic producers have sought to expand local manufacturing, improve product quality, and diversify offerings to meet internal demand and support exports.

Hong Vanak, an economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the shift towards domestic production would take time and could not fully replace imports from Thailand in the short term. “Trade between the two countries is likely to continue declining for some time, as Thai military operations against Cambodia have encouraged greater support for locally made goods,” he said. He added that imports from other countries were likely to increase to compensate for reduced reliance on Thai products.

Cambodia’s customs chief stated in November 2025 that, as a member of the World Trade Organization and ASEAN, the country has not imposed a blanket ban on Thai goods. Restrictions apply only to certain items, such as fuel and gas, while other imports depend on consumer demand. He emphasised that individuals are free to decide whether to purchase Thai products, noting that no decree or regulation enforces a boycott.

In 2025, total bilateral trade between Cambodia and Thailand reached $3.66 billion, a decrease of 14.9% from 2024. Cambodian exports stood at $732.85 million, down 14.1%, while imports from Thailand totalled $2.92 billion, a decline of 15%, according to official data.

Manager Online reported that trade volumes are expected to remain under pressure as political and military tensions persist, although supply chains are likely to continue adapting through alternative routes and sourcing strategies.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 22 Apr 2026