PHNOM PENH, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia has reported a significant boost in its export activities, with products worth 9.13 billion U.S. dollars shipped out in the first four months of 2025. This figure marks a 14 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to a report released by the General Department of Customs and Excise on Saturday.
The report highlighted that the main exported items included garments, footwear, travel goods, bicycles, car tires, solar panels, and a variety of agricultural produce such as rice, rubber, cassava, bananas, mangoes, and longans. This diverse range of exports reflects Cambodia's growing manufacturing capabilities and agricultural potential.
In terms of export destinations, the United States remains the largest market for Cambodian goods, followed by Vietnam, Japan, China, and Canada. These countries have consistently been key trade partners, contributing substantially to Cambodia's economic growth.
On the import side, Cambodia recorded a total import value of 10.36 billion dollars during the January-April period of 2025, which represents a significant rise of 19.7 percent year-on-year. The report indicated that key imported goods included petroleum, raw materials for garment and footwear production, vehicles, machinery, electronic appliances, and various consumer products.
Penn Sovicheat, the Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, attributed the growth in trade to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA). He stated, "Both trade deals have served as a catalyst for our long-term and sustainable trade growth. They are also a magnet to attract more foreign investors to Cambodia." This sentiment underscores the importance of international trade agreements in bolstering national economies.
Meanwhile, in Europe, Friuli Venezia Giulia has seen a positive trend in its trade relationship with Poland. The region's exports to Poland grew by 12.4% in 2024 compared to 2023, rising from 628 million to 706 million euros. This growth was particularly driven by the metallurgy products sector, which saw an impressive increase from 191 million euros in 2023 to 251 million euros in 2024, reflecting a growth rate of 31%.
Imports from Poland also experienced a rise, increasing by 6.6 percent from 272 million euros in 2023 to 290 million euros in 2024. These figures highlight Poland's role as an increasingly important trading partner for Friuli Venezia Giulia, where it ranks as the seventh largest trading partner by export value and the 12th largest by import value.
A Polish delegation, led by honorary consul Marco Ferruzzi Balbi and accompanied by the vice president of Confindustria Poland, Alessandro Saglio, recently visited Confindustria Udine. During this meeting, Chiara Valduga, deputy vice president of Confindustria Udine, emphasized the significance of fostering dialogue between the two regions. She stated, "The potential for cooperation between Fvg and Poland is concrete and constantly growing." This reflects a mutual interest in expanding trade relations and exploring new opportunities.
Additionally, representatives from the Kostrzyńsko-Słubicka (K-S) special economic zone participated in the discussions, outlining the competitive advantages offered by the K-S zone to Italian companies. Such initiatives are crucial for enhancing bilateral trade and investment.
The positive trade statistics from both Cambodia and Friuli Venezia Giulia illustrate the dynamic nature of international trade in 2025. As countries navigate economic challenges and opportunities, the importance of strategic partnerships and trade agreements becomes increasingly evident.
In conclusion, the increased export figures from Cambodia and Friuli Venezia Giulia signify not only growth but also the potential for future economic collaboration. With ongoing efforts to strengthen trade ties and attract foreign investment, both regions are poised to benefit from a more interconnected global economy.
