AKP Phnom Penh, June 11, 2025 --

Cambodia’s international trade volume reached over US$25.29 billion in the first five months of this year, marking an 18.5 percent increase compared to US$21.33 billion in the same period last year, according to a report from the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia.

Between January and May, the Kingdom exported goods worth US$11.8 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 17.2 percent. Meanwhile, imports totaled US$13.48 billion, up 19.7 percent from the same period in 2024.

The United States remained the largest market for Cambodian exports, with a total value of US$4.35 billion, followed by Vietnam at US$2.04 billion.

Key drivers of export growth included Cambodia’s traditional strengths in garments, footwear, and travel goods, along with growing contributions from sectors such as bicycles, car tires, and solar panels.

Agricultural products such as rice, rubber, cassava, bananas, mangoes, and longans also played a significant role in the country’s strong export performance.

“The growth in exports demonstrates continued demand for Cambodian products in international markets despite a challenging global landscape,” said H.E. Penn Sovicheat, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce.

“The implementation of free trade agreements has significantly reduced tariffs and trade barriers, making Cambodian goods more competitive globally,” he added.

The garment, footwear, and travel goods industry remains Cambodia’s largest foreign exchange earner. The sector currently comprises around 1,538 factories and branches, employing approximately 913,000 workers—most of whom are women—= the latest report from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training pointed out.

On the import side, China continued to be Cambodia’s largest supplier, with imports valued at US$7 billion during the first five months of 2025—an increase of 31.4 percent compared to the same period in the previous year.

Major imported goods included petroleum, raw materials for garments, footwear and travel goods, vehicles, machinery, electronic appliances, and consumer products.

By Chea Vannak