As a developing economy, Cambodia heavily relies on imports to meet its domestic needs and support its key industries. The major imports of Cambodia include machinery and mechanical appliances, mineral fuels and oils, vehicles and automotive parts, electrical machinery and equipment, plastics and plastic articles, iron and steel, pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, articles of clothing and accessories, and optical, photographic, and medical instruments. The closest trading partners for each category vary, with China, Thailand, and Vietnam emerging as prominent suppliers across multiple sectors. Understanding these import trends and partnerships is crucial for analyzing Cambodia's economic landscape, identifying areas of collaboration, and formulating effective trade policies.
Machinery and Mechanical Appliances:
Machinery and mechanical appliances hold the top position in Cambodia's imports by volume. With a total import value of approximately $5 billion, Cambodia relies on these imports to support its industrial and manufacturing sectors. The primary trading partners for machinery and mechanical appliances are China, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Mineral Fuels and Oils:
Imported mineral fuels and oils are crucial for Cambodia's energy requirements. The import volume for this category stands at $3.5 billion. The primary trading partners for mineral fuels and oils are Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand.
Vehicles and Automotive Parts:
Imported vehicles and automotive parts are essential for transportation and mobility in Cambodia. The import volume for this category is valued at $2.5 billion. The primary trading partners for vehicle and automotive parts imports are Thailand, Japan, and China.
Electrical Machinery and Equipment:
Cambodia relies on imports of electrical machinery and equipment to meet its technological needs. The import volume for this category is valued at $2 billion. The primary trading partners in this sector are China, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Plastics and Plastic Articles:
Cambodia imports a significant amount of plastics and plastic articles for various sectors, including packaging and manufacturing. This category accounts for an import volume of $1.5 billion. The primary trading partners for plastics and plastic articles are China, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Iron and Steel:
Imported iron and steel are vital for Cambodia's construction and manufacturing industries. This category's import volume is valued at $1 billion. The primary trading partners for iron and steel imports are China, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Pharmaceuticals:
Pharmaceutical products are crucial for Cambodia's healthcare sector. The import volume for this category stands at $900 million. The primary trading partners for pharmaceutical imports are India, Vietnam, and China.
Organic Chemicals:
Cambodia imports a significant volume of organic chemicals for various applications. The import value for this category is approximately $800 million. The primary trading partners for organic chemicals are China, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Articles of Clothing and Accessories:
Cambodia imports a considerable volume of clothing and apparel to meet its domestic market demands. The import value for this category is approximately $700 million. The primary trading partners for clothing and apparel imports are China, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Optical, Photographic, and Medical Instruments:
Cambodia relies on imports of optical, photographic, and medical instruments to support its healthcare and research sectors. The import volume for this category stands at $600 million. The primary suppliers in this sector are China, Singapore, and Japan.