Cambodia’s trade balance reaches historic equilibrium

Cambodia’s trade balance reaches historic equilibrium

Cambodia has achieved a historic trade balance, with exports and imports now nearly equal, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol announced, who also serves as the First Vice-President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC).

Speaking at the Ministry of Commerce’s annual meeting yesterday, he said this achievement is a milestone for the country’s economic stability.

“Currently, Cambodia’s exports and imports are roughly equal in volume, creating an exceptionally strong trade balance,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “This marks a major shift from the past, when we relied heavily on imports while our exports remained limited.”

The announcement comes despite a volatile global landscape marked by shifting supply chains, rising protectionism, and geopolitical tensions.

Data released by the Minister of Commerce, Cham Nimul, during the two-day meeting showed that Cambodia’s total trade volume reached $62.24 billion in 2025, an 18% year-on-year increase.

Exports reached $31.28 billion, a 17% increase. The United States remains Cambodia’s primary export destination, accounting for 41% of exports, followed by ASEAN (18%) and the European Union (16%).

Representing Prime Minister Hun Manet at the event, Chanthol warned that global fragmentation and regional conflicts continue to threaten the Kingdom’s growth trajectory.

“The rapid and unpredictable evolution of the global economic situation… could put pressure on economic growth and disrupt the Royal Government’s efforts in socio-economic development,” he cautioned.

To mitigate these risks, the Deputy Prime Minister urged the Ministry to remain “sharp and focused” in its 2026 strategy, aligning closely with the Royal Government’s “Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1.” He emphasised the need for realistic economic measures to turn these global challenges into domestic opportunities for investment and job creation.

The Ministry’s 2026 roadmap aims to expand export markets and strengthen Cambodia’s resilience against the “unilateralism” currently reshaping global trade. 

khmertimeskh