Cambodia’s ASEAN Trade Grows 20.7% as Footwear Exports Remain Key

Cambodia’s trade with other ASEAN countries continued to grow strongly in the first seven months of 2026, with footwear remaining among the country’s major export products.

According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce, total trade with ASEAN reached US$ 11.68 billion between January and July 2026, up 20.7% from US$ 9.67 billion during the same period last year.

However, the increase was mainly driven by higher imports. Cambodia’s exports to ASEAN countries rose only 0.14% year on year to US$ 3.54 billion, while imports jumped 32.6% to US$ 8.14 billion.

Trade with ASEAN accounted for 25.6% of Cambodia’s total global trade, which stood at US$ 45.48 billion during the seven month period.

Footwear Among Key Exports

Cambodia’s exports to regional markets include garments, footwear, travel goods, solar panels, car tyres and electronics. Agricultural products such as rice, cashew nuts, rubber latex, cassava, durians and bananas are also important exports.

The footwear sector remains an important part of Cambodia’s manufacturing and export base. Strong regional supply chains and cross-border trade are creating opportunities for footwear manufacturers and suppliers to reach markets across Southeast Asia.

Cambodia’s top five ASEAN trading partners were Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Lower GDP Forecast

The trade growth comes as Cambodia has lowered its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 4.1%, from 4.2% projected in May and an initial estimate of 5%.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance cited higher fuel prices linked to conflicts in the Middle East, the border dispute with Thailand and the impact of online scam issues as key challenges.

The ministry also noted weaker than expected growth in agriculture and tourism and a slight slowdown in garments. However, export oriented non garment manufacturing was identified as a bright spot for the economy.