Cambodia-China Trade Surges 20% to $15.5 Billion in Eight Months as Exports Accelerate

PHNOM PENH, Sept 11, 2026 (KPT) — The bilateral trade between Cambodia and China surged more than 20 percent in the first eight months of 2026 to US$15.53 billion, with exports rising faster than overall bilateral trade, official data showed Thursday. Figures from the General Department of Customs and Excise revealed Cambodian exports to China reached US$1.3 billion between January and August, up 23.4 percent year‑on‑year. Imports climbed to US$14.2 billion, an increase of 20.7 percent. Cambodia’s main exports included agricultural products, furniture, jewellery and textiles. Imports were dominated by industrial raw materials, consumer goods, food and beverages, vehicles, machinery, construction materials, electrical equipment and electronics. Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, described China as an “indispensable strategic partner,” citing cooperation across manufacturing, agriculture, energy, tourism and infrastructure. He said the Cambodia–China Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership had opened wider markets, facilitated trade and strengthened supply chains. Despite strong growth, Cambodia continues to run a large trade deficit with China, with imports more than 10 times the value of exports during the period. In 2025, bilateral trade totaled US$19.73 billion, with Cambodian exports down 3.6 percent to US$1.68 billion, while imports surged 34.3 percent to US$18 billion.