Kingdom’s exports surpass $20B in eight months

Kingdom’s exports surpass $20B in eight months

The high rate of exports illustrates the benefits of a well-coordinated policy framework that has successfully broadened Cambodia’s production base while attracting targeted investment in higher value-added industries.

Cambodia’s exports have exceeded $20 billion in the first eight months of 2025, representing a 14.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to official customs data released on Wednesday.

Figures from the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) show that from January to August, Cambodian exports reached $20.18 billion, up from $17.57 billion a year earlier. Overall trade volume with international partners stood at $42.15 billion, a year-on-year rise of 15.5 percent.

The United States remained Cambodia’s largest export destination, with shipments valued at $8.3 billion, up 23.2 percent. Vietnam followed with $2.7 billion, reflecting an 11.5 percent increase, while exports to China and Japan each surpassed $1 billion. Spain accounted for more than $770 million, with other significant markets including the United Kingdom, Thailand, France, Belgium, Italy, South Korea, Mexico and Australia.

The report highlighted that Cambodia’s major export items include garments, footwear, travel goods, leather products, furniture, rubber, cereals, fruits, as well as electrical machinery and equipment.

Economic analysts note that the continued growth underscores Cambodia’s strengthening position in global supply chains, particularly in the garment and footwear sector, which remains the country’s dominant export driver.

Cambodia’s export performance continues to show strong momentum this year, reflecting the government’s effective strategies to strengthen trade facilitation, diversify markets and improve competitiveness, according to economic experts.

Speaking to Khmer Times, economist Darin Duch said the Kingdom’s consistently high rate of exports illustrates the benefits of a well-coordinated policy framework that has successfully broadened Cambodia’s production base while attracting targeted investment in higher value-added industries.

“The growth trend highlights the competitiveness of Cambodian goods, underpinned by improved logistics, streamlined customs procedures and increased participation in both bilateral and multilateral trade frameworks,” Darin noted. “This provides a positive sign of continued momentum in this year.”

He added that while garments, footwear and travel goods remain key drivers, Cambodia’s export diversification has gathered pace. Agricultural products, electronics and processed foods are increasingly entering markets such as China, Japan, Canada and Vietnam, supported by tailored trade missions, technical cooperation and bilateral agreements.

“Cambodia’s export direction is diversifiable,” Darin explained. “Although the US market has given Cambodia a strong platform in textiles and related products, our partnerships with other countries are helping us expand into a variety of sectors. This ensures resilience in the face of global economic uncertainty.”

The economist stressed that the government’s efforts to deepen regional connectivity within ASEAN, open new markets, and integrate Cambodian producers into global value chains are crucial steps. At the same time, strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), investing in digital trade infrastructure and developing skilled human capital are viewed as central to sustaining growth.

“As Cambodia’s exports expand, the long-term strategy is to build resilience and ensure that trade continues to support inclusive economic development,” Darin said.

Free trade agreements (FTAs) and trade preference schemes remain crucial to sustaining Cambodia’s export momentum and attracting greater investment, according to the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC).

Lim Heng, Vice-President of the CCC, told Khmer Times that the country’s expanding network of FTAs has opened new markets and reinforced investor confidence in the Kingdom’s long-term trade prospects.

“The more free-trade preferences, the more markets we have for our products to export,” Heng said. “The government’s push for new FTAs is a welcome and necessary step to ensure our businesses can continue to thrive and expand into new markets.”

He emphasised that preferential access to large markets under bilateral and regional trade deals has strengthened Cambodia’s competitiveness, particularly for sectors such as textiles, agriculture, processed foods and light manufacturing.

Heng added that such arrangements also help diversify export destinations and reduce reliance on traditional partners.

With new agreements under negotiation and existing frameworks being expanded, the CCC expects exporters to benefit from reduced tariffs and greater market access.

khmertimeskh