(Phnom Penh): Cambodia recorded 14,534 registered electric vehicles as of February 2026, including 10,363 electric cars, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Monthly EV registrations more than doubled from 488 in January to 1,078 in February. Separately, an automotive industry outlook forum in June 2026 reported that Cambodia had 12 operational vehicle assembly plants producing passenger cars, trucks and electric vehicles.
The same forum also reported approximately 30,000 new vehicles and 15,000 used vehicles sold during the first five months of 2026. New vehicles accounted for 66 per cent of total sales, up from 59 per cent in 2025. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce reported that Cambodia imported approximately USD 1.1 billion worth of vehicles in 2025, a 60 per cent increase from USD 686 million in 2024.
For vehicle importers, capital is committed well before inventory generates revenue. Supplier payments, freight costs, customs clearance and import duty must all be financed before vehicles can be sold, making working capital and cash flow critical throughout the import journey.
Working Capital and Cash Flow Drive Automotive Business
Efficient Import Financing helps businesses preserve working capital, improve cash flow and replenish inventory without placing unnecessary pressure on day-to-day operations. Reducing the financing gap between supplier payment, customs clearance and the final sale enables businesses to strengthen liquidity, improve inventory management and respond more quickly to market demand.
Managing Supplier Payments Through Trade Finance
Trade Finance helps businesses manage supplier payments, reduce payment risk and improve confidence in cross-border trade.
A Letter of Credit provides payment assurance when agreed trade documents are presented, while a Bank Guarantee supports contractual commitments between buyers and suppliers. Import Bills for Collection and Export Bills for Collection facilitate international transactions and document exchange.
Wing Bank also offers Trade Invoice Financing, Accounts Receivable Financing and Collection Services, complementing its Trade Finance Solutions by improving Import Financing, strengthening cash flow and providing liquidity against eligible trade invoices.
"Trade Finance has become more than a payment mechanism," said James Chan, Trade Finance Sales and Advisory Director. "It helps vehicle importers manage supplier payments, preserve working capital and maintain cash flow throughout the import process, supporting inventory planning and future expansion."
Business Line of Credit Supports Import Duty
The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) reported that revenue from vehicle and machinery imports increased by 44 per cent in 2025, making the category the largest contributor to customs revenue growth. The increase reflects the growing customs and import-duty obligations businesses must manage before vehicles and automotive parts can be released for sale.
Before imported vehicles and automotive parts can enter the domestic market, businesses must settle import duty and other customs-related financial obligations. GDCE Financial Solutions, including a Business Line of Credit, help eligible businesses finance these obligations while preserving working capital for inventory, supplier payments and future imports. Bank Guarantee facilities are also available to support qualifying customs-security requirements.
"Import duty is one of the final financial commitments before inventory begins generating revenue," said Chea Marat, Head of Business Development at Wing Bank. "Financing customs-related obligations as part of an overall working-capital strategy helps businesses preserve liquidity for supplier payments, inventory replenishment and future imports while maintaining healthy cash flow."
Trade Finance and GDCE Work Together
For vehicle importers, Trade Finance, Import Financing and GDCE Financial Solutions support different stages of the import process. Trade Finance Solutions help businesses manage supplier payments, trade documents and cross-border transactions, while a Business Line of Credit helps finance import duty after goods arrive in Cambodia.
Together, Trade Finance and GDCE Financial Solutions help vehicle importers strengthen working capital, improve cash flow and support inventory management across the import cycle. By integrating supplier payments with customs financing, businesses can preserve liquidity while preparing for future growth.
To learn more about Wing Bank's Trade Finance and GDCE Financial Solutions, visit any Wing Bank branch, call 023 999 989, or visit www.wingbank.com.kh
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