Cambodia's trade with RCEP countries amounts to 16.47 bln USD in January-May period

PHNOM PENH, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's trade with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member countries reached 16.47 billion U.S. dollars in the first five months of 2025, up 16.3 percent from 14.17 billion dollars over the same period last year, said an official report on Friday.

The country's exports to RCEP member countries amounted to 4.3 billion dollars during the January-May period this year, up 8 percent from 3.97 billion dollars over the same period last year, said the report compiled by the Ministry of Commerce.

Meanwhile, the kingdom's imports from the RCEP member countries totaled 12.17 billion dollars, up 19.4 percent from 10.2 billion dollars, the report added.

Cambodia's top five trading partners under the RCEP are China, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Indonesia.

Ministry of Commerce's Secretary of State and Spokesperson Penn Sovicheat said the world's largest trade pact has played a crucial role in boosting global trade.

"The RCEP is a catalyst for long-term export growth and a magnet to attract more foreign direct investment to Cambodia," he told Xinhua.

"With preferential tariffs provided under the RCEP, Cambodia's exports to other RCEP members will undoubtedly continue to rise this year and beyond," he added.

Entered into force in 2022, the RCEP comprises 15 Asia-Pacific countries including 10 ASEAN member states -- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- and their five trading partners, namely China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.■