Cambodia’s 2025 Trade Boom Pulls It Deeper Into the U.S.-China Crossfire

ASEAN economies face rising trade deficits with China in 2025 as it fuel internal strain and external pressure ahead of a July 8 deadline.
Photo taken on July 9, 2024 shows containers stacked up at the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port New Container Terminal on the Mekong River in Kandal province. (Photo by Suy SE / AFP)

A record trade deficit with China and surging U.S. trade surplus drove Cambodia’s 17% trade growth in early 2025, spotlighting structural asymmetries and rising exposure to external shocks.

Two giants now shape Cambodia’s trade orbit, China and the United States, pulling Cambodia into opposing poles of economic dependence.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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