April 21, 2026
PHNOM PENH – Although the land border between Cambodia and Thailand has remained closed for nearly a year, the flow of trade between the two countries continues, with most goods rerouted through Laos or transported by sea. In the first quarter of 2026, total bilateral trade between the two kingdoms reached nearly $700 million, with Cambodia importing more than $500 million worth of Thai goods.
The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) reported that from January to March 2026, trade between the two countries amounted to $696.19 million, a decrease of 39.4% from the same period in 2025. Cambodia exported $181.29 million worth of goods to Thailand, down 29%, while importing $514.9 million worth, a decline of 42.4%.
This means Cambodia recorded a trade deficit of $333.61 million, compared to $638.13 million in the first quarter of 2025. Thailand remains Cambodia’s fifth-largest trading partner, after China, the US, Vietnam and Japan.
Hong Vanak, an economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told The Post on April 20 that armed clashes along the Cambodia–Thailand land border, initiated by the Thai side since 2025, have encouraged Cambodian consumers to reduce or boycott Thai products. At the same time, local producers have been striving to strengthen and expand domestic production, increasing both the variety and quality of goods to meet local demand and support exports to international markets.
He added, however, that such changes take time, and it is not possible to fully replace imported products — especially those from Thailand — with domestic alternatives in the short term.
“Trade flows between the two countries are likely to continue declining for some time, as aggressive actions by Thai forces against Cambodia have fuelled growing support for locally made products. At the same time, there is an increasing trend of importing goods from other countries to replace Thai products,” he said.
Kun Nhem, GDCE director-general of the GDCE, stated in November 2025 that as a member of the World Trade Organization and ASEAN, Cambodia has not shut down trade flows with Thailand, except for certain government-restricted goods such as fuel and gas. He emphasised that imports of other goods from Thailand depend on consumer demand — if buyers reduce or stop purchasing, suppliers will correspondingly scale back.
“Consumers are free to buy or not buy — there is no decree or regulation forcing them either way. It comes down to personal awareness and conscience. However, misunderstandings have led some people to blame or even criticise customs officials for allowing goods to enter,” he said.
In 2025, total bilateral trade between Cambodia and Thailand amounted to $3.66 billion, down 14.9% compared to 2024. Exports were valued at $732.85 million, a decrease of 14.1%, while Thai imports were $2.92 billion, down 15%, according to the GDCE.