Cambodia-Vietnam Trade Expands 7% in First Eight Months of 2026

Cambodia and Vietnam continue to strengthen their economic ties, with bilateral trade climbing to nearly $6 billion during the first eight months of 2026. The growth represents a 7% increase compared to the same period the previous year, positioning Vietnam as Cambodia's third-largest trading partner behind China and the United States.

According to Cambodia's General Department of Customs and Excise, the two countries exchanged $5.98 billion in goods during this period. Cambodian exports to Vietnam reached $2.96 billion, up 7.6% year-over-year, while Vietnamese imports into Cambodia totalled $3.02 billion, reflecting a 6.4% rise. The trade dynamic left Cambodia with a deficit of approximately $63.22 million.

Lim Heng, vice-president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, attributed the expansion to coordinated efforts from both governments and their business communities. He highlighted initiatives such as enhanced border checkpoint operations, trade facilitation agreements, and improved transport links. Business-matching events and trade exhibitions have also helped address barriers and foster cooperation between enterprises on both sides.

The momentum reflects deepening economic partnerships beyond simple commodity exchange, Heng noted, underscoring the growing integration between the two nations.

Cambodia's exports to Vietnam centre on agricultural and agro-industrial products, including rice, cashew nuts, cassava, and rubber. Hong Vanak, an economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, sees this as evidence of the sector's underlying strength and potential.

However, Vanak cautioned that Cambodia should pursue value-added manufacturing rather than relying on raw material exports. He recommended that farmers and investors invest in domestic processing facilities to boost export value and competitiveness. Strengthening food safety standards and reducing production costs will also be essential for long-term market success, he added.

Full-year 2025 figures showed Cambodia-Vietnam trade at $7.79 billion, a 1% decline from 2024's $7.87 billion. Cambodian exports rose 0.8% to $3.73 billion, while imports fell 2.5% to $4.06 billion.