RCEP Fuels Cambodia's Trade Growth, Surging 24% in H1 2026

PHNOM PENH, July 20, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s merchandise trade with member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) surged to US$24.43 billion in the first half of 2026, up 23.9 percent from a year earlier, the Ministry of Commerce said Monday. Exports to RCEP partners reached US$5.63 billion between January and June, an increase of 11.9 percent year‑on‑year. Imports totaled US$18.8 billion, rising 28.1 percent from the same period in 2025, the ministry said. The figures underscore RCEP’s role as Cambodia’s largest trading bloc and a key driver of regional integration. “Trade relations between Cambodia and RCEP member countries have continued to improve year after year,” said Lim Heng, vice president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce. Commerce Minister Cham Nimul said export growth was supported by free trade agreements and RCEP mechanisms. She added that the government was expanding into new markets and strengthening confidence among international partners, helping Cambodian products gain wider access abroad. RCEP, led by ASEAN, is the world’s biggest free trade pact, grouping 15 economies – the 10 ASEAN states plus Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. Cambodia’s trade with RCEP members hit US$40.23 billion in 2025, up 16.3 percent from 2024, highlighting the bloc’s growing role in the Kingdom’s economic integration.