Cambodia's Trade with RCEP Members Surges Nearly 25% in H1 2026

Trade in goods between Cambodia and the member states of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has shown significant growth, reaching more than $24 billion in the first half of 2026. This marks an increase of nearly 24% compared to the same period in 2025, as reported by the Ministry of Commerce.

The RCEP, which includes 15 member countries comprising the 10 ASEAN states and five key partners—China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand—has been instrumental in enhancing Cambodia's trade capabilities. Exports to RCEP countries amounted to over $5.6 billion, reflecting a nearly 12% increase, while imports surged to more than $18 billion, a rise of 28%.

Trade with ASEAN nations alone reached around $10 billion, up nearly 22%. Exports to ASEAN were valued at approximately $3 billion, an increase of 2%, while imports exceeded $7 billion, marking a 33% rise. Among non-ASEAN RCEP members, trade with China was particularly notable, totaling $11.64 billion, an increase of 25.4%. Other significant trading partners included Japan ($1.43 billion, up 16.9%), South Korea ($599.73 million, up 36.8%), Australia ($435 million, up 51%), and New Zealand (over $31 million, up 28%).

“The benefits that RCEP has brought to Cambodia are enormous, particularly in supporting the country’s exports and expanding global trade.”Hong Vanak, economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia

Hong Vanak, an economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, emphasized that Cambodia's growing production capacity and improved diplomatic relations have been pivotal in boosting international trade. He stated that the benefits Cambodia has gained from the RCEP agreement include tariff preferences on a wide range of goods, technology transfer, skills development, and employment opportunities generated through foreign direct investment.

Regarding Cambodia’s trade deficit, Vanak explained that the higher import figure should not be a cause for concern, as most goods imported under the RCEP framework consist of raw materials, components, vehicle parts, and fuel. These imports are largely used in manufacturing and processing for re-export to international markets.

RCEP countries collectively represent about 2.2 billion people, or roughly 30% of the global population, and account for $26.2 trillion in gross domestic product (GDP), equivalent to around 30% of the world's GDP. In 2025, Cambodia's merchandise trade with RCEP nations was estimated at approximately $40.2 billion, with exports reaching $9.8 billion, a 7.01% increase from 2024, according to the Ministry of Commerce.