Cambodia has posted a sharp rise in exports at the start of 2026, signalling renewed momentum in its trade sector.

Official figures show the kingdom shipped goods worth 5.23 billion US dollars in January and February, up 17.2 per cent compared with the same period last year.

The United States, Vietnam, Japan, China and Spain remain the country’s top destinations, underscoring the breadth of Cambodia’s export reach. Imports also climbed, totalling 5.88 billion dollars, an 18 per cent increase year-on-year.

Officials attribute the surge to a web of trade agreements that have opened doors for Cambodian products. Penn Sovicheat, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce, said regional and bilateral deals — notably the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and accords with China, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates — have provided preferential tariffs and boosted competitiveness. “These agreements are a catalyst for long-term and sustainable export growth,” he noted.

Analysts agree the outlook remains positive. Thong Mengdavid of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science argued that RCEP will further integrate Cambodia into regional supply chains, encouraging industries to move towards higher-value products. Bilateral deals, he added, are reducing non-tariff barriers and expanding market access.

The figures highlight Cambodia’s growing reliance on trade liberalisation to sustain economic growth. While the rise in imports reflects strong domestic demand, the export surge suggests the country is positioning itself more firmly within Asia’s evolving economic landscape.

With global demand shifting and regional supply chains tightening, Cambodia’s early-year performance will be closely watched.

For now, the numbers point to a confident start to 2026 — and a reminder of how strategic trade partnerships can reshape a nation’s economic fortunes.

-2026-03-11

On 3/11/2026 at 9:07 AM, geovalin said:

rise in imports reflects strong domestic demand,

Very much so since Thai products and produce are banned and boycotted in Cambodia which now imports from friendly nations!