Cambodia-EU Trade Surpasses $4.4B in 8 Months, Exports Up 13%

PHNOM PENH, Sept 18, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s trade with the European Union surpassed US$4.45 billion in the first eight months of 2026, rising 13.45 percent year‑on‑year, official data showed Friday. The Ministry of Commerce said exports to EU member states reached nearly US$3.8 billion between January and August, up 12.84 percent from the same period last year. Imports from the bloc totaled US$656 million, an increase of more than 17 percent. Officials said the figures underscore the European market’s importance to Cambodia’s export‑oriented economy, with shipments far outpacing imports. The ministry added the growth reflects the Kingdom’s ability to maintain access to key markets, strengthen supply chains and retain buyer confidence. Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Belgium were among the main destinations, with garments, footwear and travel goods making up the bulk of exports. EU trade data also identified textiles and clothing as the dominant category of imports from Cambodia. Economic researcher Hong Vannak of the Royal Academy of Cambodia said the continued growth reflected government efforts through economic diplomacy with international partners. The latest figures follow strong momentum in 2025, when Cambodia–EU trade reached US$5.87 billion, up 10.2 percent from 2024. Exports rose 13.55 percent to US$5 billion, while imports fell 5.88 percent to US$863 million. The EU has also supported Cambodia’s efforts to improve trade efficiency and market access. In April 2026, the bloc and Germany highlighted cooperation on customs modernization, logistics and trade facilitation, including expanded pre‑arrival processing for express shipments.