Cambodia's international trade in the first quarter of 2025 continued to show positive signs, reaching over $14 billion, up more than 15% over the same period in 2024. Of this, exports amounted to almost half, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).

From January to March, the Kingdom’s total trade volume reached $14.45 billion, a 15.6% increase. Cambodia exported $6.87 billion worth of goods, a 9.8% increase, while imports totaled $7.57 billion, up 21.5%. Key trading partners include China, the US, Vietnam, Thailand and Japan.

Based on these statistics, Cambodia experienced a trade deficit of approximately $697.83 million in Q1 2025, compared to just $26.78 million during the same period in 2024.

Lim Heng, vice-president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, told The Post on April 11 that although global political and economic conditions remain uncertain at the start of 2025, the Kingdom’s international trade has continued to show positive growth since late 2023.

He explained that this growth is due to both internal and external factors. Internally, investor confidence in setting up factories and enterprises in Cambodia for export has remained strong. Externally, geopolitical conflicts and political instability in countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh — nations with similar export profiles to Cambodia — have played a role.

“Even though Cambodia, like many other countries, is currently facing increased import tariffs from the US, I am optimistic that Cambodia's international trade will continue to show positive growth throughout 2025,” he said.

“In fact, in 2024 and early 2025, the number of factories and enterprises receiving investment licenses in Cambodia steadily increased,” he added.

Earlier this month, the US government announced plans to impose import tariffs on goods from Cambodia of up to 49%, higher than for any other ASEAN nation. However, on April 9 (US time), the US government decided to delay the plan for 90 days to allow for negotiations with affected countries, including Cambodia.

The Cambodian government formed a working group that will negotiate with the US on April 10. It is led by Sun Chanthol, first vice-president of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC).

Earlier this week, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) released a report that maintained its previous forecast of steady Cambodian economic growth, at 6.1% for 2025 and 6.2% for 2026. This growth was expected to be primarily driven by increased exports in the garment sector and the recovery of the tourism industry.

However, the ADB also pointed out that ongoing global economic uncertainties – such as a possible trade war initiated by US President Donald Trump – may present major challenges.