Cambodia and China have seen bilateral trade climb more than 22% through the first eight months of 2026, reaching $15.54 billion. Cambodian exports grew even faster at 23.43%, hitting $1.31 billion, while Chinese imports into Cambodia rose 22.27% to $14.23 billion, according to Cambodia's Ministry of Commerce. Despite this growth, Cambodia maintains a significant trade imbalance, running a deficit of approximately $12.92 billion.

The acceleration coincides with the September 16 opening of the Pinglu Canal in China's Guangxi region, a 134-kilometer waterway that connects inland river systems to the Beibu Gulf and regional ports. This infrastructure links western China directly to ASEAN markets through Qinzhou port, reducing shipping distances by 560 kilometers and cutting logistics costs substantially. The canal accommodates vessels up to 5,000 tonnes and integrates with railways, highways, and maritime networks as part of the broader New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.

For Cambodia, the route offers practical advantages. Shipping companies now move containers between the Beibu Gulf and Cambodia's Sihanoukville port in just five days—more than 50% faster than traditional southern shipping routes through Guangdong. These improved connections are particularly valuable for Cambodia's agricultural sector, which has already shown strong momentum. Rice exports to China surged 45% during the eight-month period, cassava shipments more than doubled, and rubber exports jumped nearly 309%.

However, Cambodia's export growth remains uneven. Agricultural and travel-goods categories performed well, but apparel exports fell 11% and electronics dropped 23%. The data suggests Cambodia's most promising near-term opportunity lies in scaling agricultural output and developing processing capacity to move beyond raw commodities. Chinese imports continue to dominate Cambodia's supply chain, providing fabric, construction materials, and vehicles needed by local industries.

More balanced trade flows could strengthen the commercial viability of the new corridor. Containers carrying Chinese goods into Cambodia currently risk returning partially empty, inflating freight costs. If Cambodia can establish reliable export volumes—particularly rice, cassava, rubber, processed foods, and manufactured goods like garments and bags—the route becomes more sustainable and cost-effective for both directions of trade.