Cambodia-Japan Trade Nears $2 Billion in Eight Months on 22% Export Surge

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 22, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s trade with Japan approached $2 billion in the first eight months of 2026, driven by a sharp rise in Cambodian exports, official data showed Tuesday. The Ministry of Commerce said exports to Japan reached $1.26 billion between January and August, up 22.15 percent year‑on‑year. Imports from Japan totaled $717 million, an increase of 13 percent, bringing overall bilateral trade to nearly $2 billion. Officials said the figures underscore the expansion of Cambodia–Japan commercial ties, with Cambodian manufacturers and farmers benefiting from growing demand in the Japanese market. Cambodia’s exports include garments, textiles, electronics and agricultural products, while Japanese shipments consist mainly of machinery, vehicles and consumer goods. Lim Heng, Vice President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, attributed the growth partly to Cambodia’s participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which has strengthened trade flows between the two countries. Japan is among Cambodia’s major partners within the 15‑member bloc, with Cambodia’s trade with RCEP members reaching $31.93 billion in the first eight months, up 21 percent year‑on‑year. The latest figures follow efforts to deepen commercial links. In June, Cambodia and Japan launched a digital trade promotion and business matchmaking programme in Tokyo to connect Cambodian exporters directly with Japanese buyers. In 2025, bilateral trade reached $2.53 billion, up 17.14 percent from the previous year, underscoring steady momentum in the partnership.