(Phnom Penh): Cambodia's trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) reached USD 13.3 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by strong growth in regional commerce, according to a Ministry of Commerce report.

From January to June, two-way trade with ASEAN member states climbed 21.8 per cent year-on-year to USD 10.3 billion, while trade with the EU increased 8 per cent to USD 3 billion.

Cambodia's total international trade reached USD 38.2 billion during the six-month period, with ASEAN accounting for 27 per cent of total trade and the EU contributing 7.8 per cent.

Thong Mengdavid, Deputy Director of the China-ASEAN Studies Centre at the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, told Xinhua that the growth reflects deeper regional economic integration.

He attributed the increase to stronger supply chain connections and the trade benefits provided by frameworks such as the ASEAN Economic Community and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

“Looking ahead, trade with ASEAN is expected to sustain double-digit growth, supported by improving regional demand, rising cross-border investment, and the continued expansion of regional manufacturing networks,” Mengdavid said.

He added that the EU remains an important high-value market for Cambodia’s exports, including garments, footwear, travel goods, bicycles, electronics, and agricultural products.

According to Mengdavid, continued efforts to diversify into higher-value manufacturing and digital industries will further strengthen Cambodia’s trade competitiveness and resilience. If current trends continue, ASEAN is expected to become the main driver of Cambodia’s trade growth, while the EU will remain a key market for export diversification.
=FRESH NEWS