Cambodia’s trade data for 2025 indicates continued expansion in external commerce. Total trade reached USD 65.24 billion, representing an 18 percent increase compared to the previous year. Cambodian products were exported to 169 countries, suggesting a broader geographical distribution of trade partners. These figures are consistent with the government’s long-standing objective of trade diversification and indicate progress in expanding external market reach.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, export and import values in 2025 were more closely balanced than in previous years, reflecting a shift away from Cambodia’s earlier reliance on imports. While this development points to improved trade performance, its durability will depend on sustained export growth and external demand conditions, which remain subject to global economic trends.
China continued to be Cambodia’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade approaching USD 20 billion. Exports to the United States increased by more than 29%, despite the introduction of new tariff measures. Trade with the European Union also continued to expand, supported by preferential arrangements and ongoing policy engagement. Together, these patterns suggest that Cambodia is maintaining trade relationships across both large-volume markets and markets with relatively higher regulatory requirements.
Trade negotiations with the United States have contributed to greater predictability in tariff treatment, while engagement with the European Union has increasingly focused on regulatory and technical alignment. In terms of export composition, growth extended beyond garments to include bicycles, electrical components, and selected automotive-related products, indicating gradual diversification within the manufacturing sector.
Despite overall trade growth, sectoral outcomes remain uneven, particularly in agriculture. In 2025, agricultural producers continued to face relatively concentrated market access, price volatility, and technical requirements that can be difficult for small-scale producers to meet consistently. Products such as rice, cassava, and cashew nuts were influenced by price volatility, limited buyer diversity, and technical trade requirements that can be challenging for small producers to meet consistently.
Agricultural exports are also more exposed to logistical constraints than manufactured goods. Transport limitations, border clearance delays, and periodic changes in import regulations in neighbouring countries can affect delivery schedules and pricing. These factors tend to weaken producers’ bargaining power and increase exposure to external market fluctuations.
In parallel with external trade developments, domestic market governance received increased attention in 2025. The application of consumer protection regulations was tested through cases related to product traceability, barcode requirements, and enforcement procedures. Public discussion surrounding these cases reflects the growing importance of consistent standards, institutional coordination, and clear communication as Cambodia’s domestic market becomes more complex and integrated. Effective consumer protection contributes to market confidence, particularly for locally produced goods, and supports broader efforts to strengthen domestic consumption alongside international engagement.
Overall, Cambodia’s 2025 trade outcomes point to continued expansion and diversification, while also highlighting structural challenges. As trade volumes increase, the effectiveness of agricultural standards, logistics and border processes, and consumer protection enforcement will increasingly shape how trade benefits are distributed. Strengthening these domestic foundations alongside external trade growth may support more stable and inclusive economic outcomes over time.