Cambodia’s trade with ASEAN, EU climbs to $13.3B in first half of 2026

Cambodia’s trade with ASEAN, EU climbs to $13.3B in first half of 2026

Cambodia’s trade volume with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) reached $13.3 billion in the first half of 2026, according to a Ministry of Commerce report released yesterday.

The data indicates the kingdom’s trade with fellow ASEAN member states totalled $10.3 billion during the January-June period, a 21.8% year-on-year increase. Trade with the EU grew by 8% to reach $3 billion.

Across the first half of the year, Cambodia’s total global trade volume stood at $38.2 billion. The ASEAN market accounted for 27% of this total, while the EU represented 7.8%.

Cambodia University of Technology and Science Deputy Director of the China-ASEAN Studies Centre Thong Mengdavid said that the growth reflects deepening regional economic integration. He attributed the momentum to strengthened supply chain linkages and trade advantages from frameworks such as the ASEAN Economic Community and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

“Looking ahead, trade with ASEAN is expected to sustain double-digit growth, supported by improving regional demand, rising cross-border investment, and the continued expansion of regional manufacturing networks,” Mengdavid said.

He noted that the EU remains a vital, high-value export destination for Cambodian garments, footwear, travel goods, bicycles, electronics, and agricultural products.

“Continued efforts to diversify into higher-value manufacturing and digital industries will further enhance Cambodia’s trade competitiveness and resilience,” he said. He added that if these trends persist, ASEAN is poised to become the primary driver of Cambodia’s trade growth, while the EU will remain essential for export diversification.

khmertimeskh