The General Department of Customs and Excise reported yesterday that Cambodia exported goods worth $2.3 billion and imported goods worth $2.7 billion, bringing the total trade volume to $5.05 billion in the first month of 2025.
The trade balance statistics released by the General Department of Customs and Excise showed that Cambodia’s exports increased by 17.3 percent and imports increased by 316 percent, driving a 24.6 percent increase in the total trade balance compared to the same period in 2024.
The top five trading partners during this period were China, the United States, Vietnam, Thailand and Japan.
China remained Cambodia’s top trading partner, with a total volume reaching $1.5 billion. This included $1.4 billion in imports and $103 million in exports.
However, Cambodia’s exports to China fell by 15.3 percent, while imports increased by 40.5 percent. Despite the decline in exports, the sharp increase in imports contributed to a total trade increase of 34.7 percent compared to January last year.
The United States, the world’s largest consumer, ranks as Cambodia’s second largest trading partner, with a total volume of $892 million.
Cambodia’s exports to the United States brought in a significant benefit, reaching $868 million, accounting for 97.4 percent of total trade. In contrast, imports from the United States were only $23 million, indicating a large trade surplus in Cambodia’s favor.
Vietnam, a major agricultural importer, ranked third on the list. However, the overall trade volume between the two countries fell slightly by 1 percent in January.
Total trade with Vietnam was $670 million, with exports amounting to $278 million and imports totaling $392 million.
This marked a significant decline, with exports falling 25.3 percent and imports falling 28.7 percent compared to the same period last year.
Thailand ranked fourth with a total trade volume of $370 million in January, reflecting an 8.3 percent increase from $341 million in the same period in 2024.
Cambodia’s exports to Thailand amounted to $72 million, down 30.8 percent. In contrast, imports from Thailand rose to $297 million, representing a 25.6 percent increase.
The increase in imports contributed to the overall growth in trade between the two countries, despite Cambodia’s exports declining.
Japan, Cambodia’s major development partner, saw a significant 41.1 percent increase in overall trade, with total volume reaching $224 million in January, up from $159 million in the same period.
Cambodia’s exports to Japan reached $151 million, up 29.4 percent from $116 million a year earlier.
Meanwhile, imports from Japan reached $73 million, up 73 percent from $42 million in the same period in 2024. This significant increase reflects the strengthening of trade relations between the two countries.
Speaking to the Khmer Times, Mr. Chea Chandara, of the Logistics and Supply Chain Business Association of Cambodia (LOSCBA), expressed optimism about the Kingdom’s trade outlook, noting that barring external disruptions, trade is expected to continue to grow in the coming months.
“We have observed a significant increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the industrial sector in 2024 and the first months of this year, which will contribute significantly to the national economy,” he said.
Mr. Chandara also highlighted the impact of new trade policies under the Trump administration, especially as the United States remains the world’s largest importer as well as a key trading partner for Cambodia.
