A container ship docked at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS), the Kingdom’s busiest port. PAS
The Kingdom’s import-export trade with all partners during the first two months of 2025 reached a total value of over $9.4 billion, an increase of more than 16% compared to the same period in 2024. Bilateral trade with China alone accounted for nearly 30% of the total value, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE).
In January and February, total trade amounted to $9.447 billion, representing an increase of 16.3% compared to the same period last year, when it totalled $8.120 billion.
Exports were valued at $4.460 billion, up 11.9%, while imports stood at $4.987 billion, up 20.6%. The Kingdom’s international trade balance recorded a deficit of $527.13 million, compared to a deficit of $149.64 million in the same period last year.
China remained Cambodia's largest trading partner, with a total value of $2.662 billion, a 21.1% increase. Exports to China were valued at $217.96 million, down 4.3%, while imports were up 24%, at $2.444 billion.
Hong Vanak, an economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told The Post on March 10 that the growth in international trade reflects a revival in global demand as well as an increase in the production capacity of the Kingdom’s factories.
He said that when the economy is performing well, both demand for domestic goods and cash flow also experience positive growth.
He noted that, barring any serious global political and economic challenges, international trade will continue to grow, especially exports, as more factories have opened operations.
“The overall increase in trade values is a positive sign because it shows that both domestic demand and exports are rising. This situation will continue to have a positive impact in the near future,” he added.
He encouraged local manufacturers to strengthen and expand domestic production to capture more demand from international markets, particularly as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement continues to help expand Cambodia's export markets and enhance its competitiveness.
“Cambodia has more opportunities to boost its exports. Apart from raw materials, electronic products and automobile parts are sectors where it should focus on expanding exports,” he said.
Lim Heng, vice-president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, explained that the more than 10% increase in Cambodia's exports during the first two months of the year was due to the strengthening of Cambodia's production capacity and the quality of products meeting international standards.
“I believe that Cambodia's export value will continue to increase this year because Cambodia now has a variety of products for export, and the reputation, quality and pricing of Cambodian goods are highly competitive,” he added.
The Budget in Brief Fiscal Year 2025 indicates that the Kingdom’s economy is projected to grow by 6.3% in 2025, primarily driven by the industrial sector, which is expected to continue growing at 8.6%. The service sector is expected to grow by 5.6%, and the agricultural sector by 1.1%.
In 2024, Cambodia’s total trade with all countries amounted to $54.74 billion, a 16.9% increase compared to 2023. Exports reached $26.2 billion, up 15.7%, while imports amounted to $28.54 billion, up 18%.
