PHNOM PENH — Cambodia’s trade momentum with members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) accelerated sharply in the first half of 2026, according to a report from state news agency AKP released yesterday.
Total trade volume between the Kingdom and its RCEP partners hit $24.4 billion from January through June, representing a 24 percent jump compared to the same period last year.
The report from the Ministry of Commerce underscored that the mega-regional trade deal remains Cambodia’s primary economic engine, accounting for nearly 64 percent of the country’s $38.2 billion total global trade during the six-month period.
Cambodian exports to the trading bloc reached $5.63 billion, up 11.8 percent year-on-year. Meanwhile, inbound shipments of goods rose 28 percent to hit $18.8 billion, with China, Vietnam, Singapore, and Japan remaining among the country’s dominant regional trading partners.
Commerce officials highlighted that the steady growth under RCEP continues to support long-term economic development, strengthen export capacity, and boost Cambodia’s appeal to international investors seeking new foreign direct investment opportunities.
In effect since 2022, RCEP forms the world’s largest free trade zone, connecting the 10 ASEAN nations alongside five major regional economies: China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.