Cambodia’s total exports reached USD 14.29 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 17.2% year-on-year (YoY) increase despite external trade headwinds, according to the Ministry of Commerce (MoC). Of this, exports under various trade preference schemes totaled USD 13.27 billion, approximately 88% of total exports, underscoring the critical role of preferential trade arrangements in supporting Cambodia’s export growth. This growth was supported by both trade preference schemes and strategic market diversification across major regions.
Trade Preferences and Free Trade Agreements
A significant portion of Cambodia’s exports benefited from trade preference schemes such as the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status, and free trade agreements (FTAs) including the Cambodia–China FTA, Cambodia–Korea FTA, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). These agreements have been instrumental in boosting Cambodia’s export performance and attracting investment.
Exports under these frameworks reached markets across the US, UK, EU, Canada, ASEAN, Japan, China, Australia, India, New Zealand, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
Regional Export Performance
- United States: Exports to the US rose 25.6% YoY despite an average 36% effective tariff, highlighting strong demand for Cambodian goods.
- Asia: Exports to Asian markets reached USD 4.63 billion, up 3.8% YoY, demonstrating the region’s importance in Cambodia’s trade strategy.
- European Union: Exports to the EU totaled USD 2.4 billion, a 20.6% YoY increase, benefiting from stable trade terms and ongoing GSP preferences.
Market Diversification and Key Products
Cambodia’s diversified export base now ensures that Asian and EU markets together account for 48.8% of total exports, mitigating reliance on any single region and providing resilience against trade volatility. Major export products include garments, machinery, electrical equipment, footwear, leather goods, grain, furniture, rubber, fruits, vegetables, pearls, toys, and textiles.
Strategic Outlook
The ongoing importance of trade agreements as Cambodia prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, which will gradually reduce some preferential trade benefits. The MoC is actively pursuing new FTAs to expand market access and sustain export growth. By leveraging trade preferences and diversifying markets, Cambodia continues to strengthen its position in the global economy.
Source: Cambodia’s exports under trade preferences surpass $13 billion | Khmer Times