Cambodia’s RCEP Trade Soars 15.7%
Asia-Pacific Bloc Drives Significant Economic Growth
Cambodia’s economic ties within the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) demonstrate robust expansion, with trade volume climbing to $22.99 billion in the first seven months of 2025. This marks a substantial 15.7 percent increase from the same period in the prior year.
Exports and Imports Show Strong Gains
During January through July, the Kingdom’s exports to RCEP nations reached $5.77 billion, an 11 percent rise compared to last year. Concurrently, Cambodia’s imports from RCEP members surged by 17.3 percent, totaling $17.22 billion.
RCEP Dominates Cambodia’s Trade Landscape
The RCEP market is undeniably pivotal for Cambodia, accounting for an impressive 62.3 percent of the nation’s overall trade turnover. This collective trade volume for the seven-month period amounted to $36.88 billion.
Key Trading Partners Identified
Cambodia’s primary economic partners within the RCEP framework include China, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Singapore, underscoring the regional integration’s impact.
RCEP’s Global Impact Highlighted
The RCEP, established in 2022, encompasses 15 Asia-Pacific countries, including all 10 ASEAN member states and their five key trading partners. Cambodian Ministry of Commerce’s Secretary of State and spokesperson, Penn Sovicheat, emphasized the pact’s importance.
“The RCEP is a catalyst for long-term export growth and a magnet to attract more foreign direct investment to Cambodia. With preferential tariffs provided under the RCEP, Cambodia’s exports to other RCEP members will definitely continue to rise this year and beyond.”
—Penn Sovicheat, Secretary of State and Spokesperson, Cambodian Ministry of Commerce
The RCEP has been instrumental in bolstering global commerce, particularly amidst shifting international trade dynamics. For instance, Vietnam, another RCEP member, saw its total trade with RCEP countries grow by 16.6% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, highlighting similar regional growth trends (VietnamPlus, 2024).
Understanding the RCEP Framework
The RCEP agreement, the world’s largest free trade agreement, facilitates greater economic cooperation and preferential market access among its member nations. This pact is designed to foster sustained economic development and deepen regional integration.
