Cambodia’s EU trade expands despite tariff challenges

The European Union (EU) remains a key market for Cambodian products.

In the first eight months of 2025, Cambodia exported goods worth more than USD3.3 billion to the EU, representing an almost 20 per cent increase over the same period in 2024, while EU imports amounted to nearly USD600 million.

According to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), from January to August 2025, total trade between Cambodia and the EU reached USD3.92 billion – an increase of over 10 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

Exports to the EU totalled USD3.36 billion, up 16 per cent, while imports were about USD561 million, a 2.5 per cent increase.

Key EU trading partners for Cambodia include Spain, with USD788.08 million, Germany, USD744.43 million, Netherlands, USD673.22 million, France, USD384.98 million, Italy, USD338.36 million, and Belgium, USD302.36 million.

Economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia Hong Vanak told The Post yesterday that the EU is one of Cambodia’s most important export markets, second only to the US.

He noted that a wide variety of Cambodian products are now available for sale in Europe, adding that most EU countries are developed economies, making it crucial for Cambodia to maintain long-term access to this market.

He explained that in the past, nearly all Cambodian exports to Europe consisted of garments, footwear and travel goods. But now, agricultural products and some electronic components are also being exported to the EU.

“The growth in exports to international markets – especially the EU – reflects Cambodia’s increasing production capacity and the improving quality of Cambodian-made goods. The EU is a very promising market,” he said. However, he noted that one of the reasons for this favourable export performance is that the EU continues to provide Cambodia with preferential trade systems.

Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Pen Sovicheat previously told the media that these numbers highlight the EU’s importance as an export destination for Cambodia.

Source: Borneo Bulletin