The United States retained its position as Cambodia’s top export market during the first ten months of 2024, according to data from the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE). Cambodia’s exports to the U.S. totaled $8.23 billion during this period, representing a 9.8% year-on-year increase. Imports from the U.S. also grew, reaching $217 million, up 7.5%.
Vietnam ranked as Cambodia’s second-largest export destination, with exports reaching $2.9 billion, a significant 31.2% increase. Imports from Vietnam stood at $3.4 billion, up 14.5%. China was the third-largest market, with Cambodian exports totaling $1.4 billion (up 12%), while imports from China surged to $10.9 billion, a 23.2% rise.
Japan and Canada completed the top five export destinations. Exports to Japan amounted to $1.1 billion, up 18%, while imports reached $600 million, up 15.6%. Canada saw Cambodian exports exceed $900 million, up nearly 30%, although imports from Canada declined by more than 10%, amounting to $48 million.
Lim Heng, Vice President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the growing trade relationship with the U.S. and noted the potential benefits of trade dynamics in the region. “Rising tariffs between major trading nations present opportunities for Cambodia, as we’ve seen increased investment and production in Cambodia aimed at the U.S. market,” he remarked.
Prime Minister Hun Manet, speaking at the 20th anniversary of Cambodia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), emphasized the importance of maintaining open trade policies to sustain economic growth. “Cambodia’s market is small, so it must embrace international trade and competition,” he said, underscoring the country’s commitment to global trade integration.
GDCE data revealed that Cambodia’s total exports reached $21.57 billion in the first ten months of 2024, a 16% increase from the same period last year. Key exports included garments, footwear, travel goods, bicycles, car tires, and agricultural products such as rice, rubber, cassava, bananas, mangoes, and longans.
