Cambodia-US Bilateral Trade Surges Nearly 30% to Top $11 Billion Through August

Two-way merchandise trade between Cambodia and the United States climbed nearly 30 percent during the first eight months of 2026, topping $11 billion on the back of resilient export demand.

Official statistics from the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) indicate that bilateral trade volume reached $11.11 billion from January through August, representing a 29.9 percent increase from the $8.55 billion registered during the identical timeframe in 2025.

Strong Export Performance and Widening Surplus

Cambodia's shipments to the American market accounted for over 96 percent of the total trade flow. Goods sent to the US were valued at $10.68 billion, up 28.5 percent year-on-year. In contrast, imports from the US rose 77.7 percent to $431.83 million, leaving Cambodia with a trade surplus of roughly $10.25 billion.

The US maintains its status as Cambodia's primary destination for outbound goods and ranks as the country's second-biggest global trading partner, behind only China.

Diversifying Product Lines and Investment

Lim Heng, vice-president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, noted that an influx of newly approved investment projects is expanding the nation's industrial output and broadening its export offerings. While textiles, garments, footwear, and travel goods remain staples, Cambodia is increasingly shipping bicycles, vehicle tires, and electrical and electronic components to American buyers.

Meanwhile, Cambodian purchases from the United States consist largely of automobiles, consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and various consumer goods.

Strategic Economic Ties

Efforts to deepen bilateral commercial relations have continued at the official level. In July, Sun Chanthol, first vice-president of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, met with US Embassy representatives to discuss enhanced trade partnerships. The talks focused on drawing more direct investment from the US and exploring new export avenues, particularly for agricultural goods.

The momentum follows a strong performance in 2025, when full-year bilateral trade expanded 29.2 percent to $13.15 billion, featuring $12.73 billion in Cambodian exports and $417.07 million in imports.