Cambodia's Export Growth Surges 14% in First Four Months of 2025

Strategic Insights -

Cambodia's export-oriented economy continues to drive growth, with the country's customs and excise department reporting a 14% year-on-year increase in exports worth US$9.13 billion in the first four months of 2025. This growth is attributed to rising global demand and the government's proactive trade facilitation policies, including the implementation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with key trading partners. The country's top export destinations in this period were the United States, Vietnam, Japan, China, and Canada. On the import side, Cambodia brought in goods valued at US$10.36 billion, representing a 19.7% year-on-year increase.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cambodia's exports surged 14% year-on-year to US$9.13 billion in the first four months of 2025, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise.
  • The country's key export items included garments, footwear, travel goods, bicycles, car tyres, solar panels, and agricultural products such as rice, rubber, cassava, bananas, mangoes, and longans.
  • Cambodia's top five export destinations during this period were the United States, Vietnam, Japan, China, and Canada.
  • The country's imports also saw a significant increase, with goods valued at US$10.36 billion brought in from January to April 2025, a 19.7% year-on-year growth.
  • Major imported items included petroleum, raw materials, vehicles, machinery, electronic appliances, and consumer products.
  • H.E. Penn Sovicheat, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, attributed the export growth to rising global demand and the government's proactive trade facilitation policies.
  • The implementation of FTAs with China, South Korea, and the RCEP has significantly improved market access for Cambodian products.
  • Cambodia's industrial sector, comprising garment and non-garment manufacturing, remains a key driver of economic growth by boosting exports and attracting foreign investment.
  • The garment, footwear, and travel goods industry is the largest foreign exchange earner for Cambodia, with 1,538 factories employing around 913,000 workers, most of whom are women.

Statistics:

  • US$9.13 billion: Cambodia's exports in the first four months of 2025, marking a 14% year-on-year increase (Source: General Department of Customs and Excise).
  • 19.7%: Year-on-year increase in Cambodia's imports valued at US$10.36 billion (Source: General Department of Customs and Excise).
  • 1,538: Number of factories and branches in the garment, footwear, and travel goods industry (Source: Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training).
  • 913,000: Number of workers employed in the garment, footwear, and travel goods industry, most of whom are women (Source: Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training).

Sources:

  • Agence Kampuchea Presse (12 May 2025)
  • General Department of Customs and Excise (Report on Cambodia's Trade Statistics, 2025)
  • Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (Report on the Garment, Footwear, and Travel Goods Industry, 2025)
  • H.E. Penn Sovicheat, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce (Statement on Cambodia's Trade Growth, 2025)