Cambodia’s exports rose 17.2% year-on-year (YoY) in the first two months of 2026, reaching $5.23 billion, according to data from the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).
Total imports reached $5.88 billion during the same period, up 18%, resulting in a trade deficit of approximately $825 million.
The trade deficit made a significant increase compared to the same period last year, approximately $388 million, reflecting stronger growth in imports relative to exports.
Officials attribute the growth to Cambodia’s participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and bilateral free trade agreements with China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
From February 2026 alone, total exports reached $2.34 billion (+6%) while total imports were $3.03 billion (+36%). This results in a total monthly deficit of $693 million.
The figures were released in the March 2026 International Merchandise Trade Statistics report published by the GDCE.
Speaking to Xinhua, Ministry of Commerce’s Secretary of State and Spokesperson Penn Sovicheat said “These regional and bilateral trade deals have served as a catalyst for our long-term and sustainable export growth, as they provide preferential tariffs for Made-in-Cambodia products,”.
The United States remains Cambodia’s largest export market followed by Vietnam, Japan, China, and Spain.
The recent trade data follows a strong export performance from 2025 in primarily in agricultural commodities. During that time Cambodia exported more than 940,000 tonnes of rice, generating over $600 million in revenue according to The Phnom Penh Post.
Meanwhile, raw cashew nut exports surpassed 1 million tonnes in 2025, bringing in approximately $1.5 billion, data from the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia.
Analysts expect Cambodia’s trade performance to remain supported by regional trade agreements and continued integration into regional supply chains throughout 2026.
