Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Cambodia experienced a significant surge in imports from the United States during September, recording a remarkable 110% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. This substantial growth brought the total value of goods imported from the US to nearly $28 million for the month. The notable rise comes shortly after the United States implemented a retaliatory tariff on Cambodian goods, raising questions about the dynamics of the bilateral trade relationship.
The robust performance in September contributes to an impressive overall trend for the first nine months of 2025 (January-September), where the United States emerged as Cambodia’s fastest-growing top-10 trading partner, witnessing an increase exceeding 22%. According to trade statistics compiled by the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia, the total trade volume between Cambodia and the United States reached approximately $9.567 billion during this period.
Specifically, Cambodian exports to the global market accounted for $9.2284 billion, marking a 22% increase. Meanwhile, imports from the United States saw an even greater rise, exceeding 46%. The September import figure alone, estimated at $26.96 million, directly reflects the striking 110% increase, notably observed after the US imposed a 19% tariff on certain Cambodian goods, effective August 1, 2025.
In contrast to the strong US import growth, other key trading partners exhibited different trends. Imports from Thailand experienced a decline of 32.5%, while imports from Taiwan fell by 27%. Similarly, imports from Vietnam decreased by 14.5%, and imports from South Korea saw a modest decline of over 1% during the same period.
In a broader context, Cambodia’s total trade with its major global partners reached nearly $47 billion during the first nine months of the year. This comprised exports totaling $22.3 billion, an an increase of 12.9%, and imports amounting to $24.6 billion, up 16.6% compared to the corresponding period in 2024.
Beyond the United States, Cambodia maintains significant trade relationships with countries including China, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, Canada, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia.
