Cambodia's exports to RCEP member countries reach $3.6 billion in the first four months of 2025

Cambodia's export sector continued its strong growth, generating approximately US$3.61 billion from shipments to member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) during the first four months of 2025, an increase of 7.6% compared to the same period last year.

This export momentum underscores the kingdom's growing integration into the world's largest free trade bloc, which includes 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including the 10 ASEAN member states and five key partners: Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. Total bilateral trade between Cambodia and RCEP members reached nearly US$13 billion between January and April, an increase of 15.47% over the previous year.

This figure represents more than 65% of Cambodia's total international trade, which reached US$19.7 billion during the same period. Imports from RCEP countries also surged, with Cambodian purchases totaling US$9.31 billion, a notable increase of 18.85% compared to the US$6.83 billion recorded in the first four months of 2024.

RCEP: a catalyst for export expansion

The RCEP agreement, initiated by ASEAN and in force since 2022, is widely recognized as the driver of Cambodia's export growth. H.E. Penn Sovicheat, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, highlighted the transformative impact of this pact, stating: “With the implementation of the RCEP agreement, Cambodia is reaping substantial benefits from its exports to member countries, which are becoming important drivers of regional growth.” He added that the agreement “provides a new engine for the long-term expansion of Cambodian exports,” offering tariff reductions and improved market access that enable Cambodian producers to seize new opportunities.

Main export sectors and trading partners

Garments, footwear, electrical machinery and equipment, leather goods, fur products, cereals, rubber and rubber products, and furniture remain Cambodia's main export categories to RCEP markets. The resilience of the export sector has been particularly notable in the garments, footwear, and travel goods (GFT) segment, which accounted for US$3.6 billion, or about 45% of Cambodia's total exports in the first four months of 2024. Cereals and electrical machinery also contributed significantly to export earnings.

Among RCEP members, China, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, and Singapore stand out as Cambodia's main trading partners, reflecting the country's strategic position within the regional supply chain.

Outlook: sustained growth amid regional integration

Cambodia's export performance is supported by favorable economic prospects, with the National Bank of Cambodia and the International Monetary Fund forecasting economic growth of around 6% for 2024, partly thanks to the current recovery in regional and global markets. The government's ongoing efforts to improve trade infrastructure and facilitate business should further strengthen Cambodia's competitiveness and export potential.

As the RCEP continues to reshape the regional trade landscape, Cambodia's growing engagement with member states of this partnership is expected to remain a pillar of the kingdom's economic strategy, opening up new opportunities for growth and prosperity in the years to come.