Cambodia-Thailand trade increased to $2.58 billion in first eight months

Cambodia-Thailand trade increased to $2.58 billion in first eight months

A Dip in Trade

The trade volume between Cambodia and Thailand reached a staggering $2,585 million from January to August this year. However, this figure shows a decrease of 19.9 percent compared to the same period last year, reflecting the global economic turbulence induced by the ongoing pandemic and other geopolitical issues.

This downward trend in trade is primarily due to a significant decrease in imports from Thailand, which fell by 25.8 percent to $1,938 million. Conversely, Cambodia’s exports to Thailand showed a slight increase of 5.4 percent, amounting to $646 million. These figures underscore the shifting dynamics of the trade relationship between these two neighboring Southeast Asian nations.

Diverse Trade Portfolio

The trade between Cambodia and Thailand is diverse, encompassing a wide range of goods. The primary traded commodities include textiles, agricultural products, gems, raw materials, semi-finished products, fish, meat, vegetables, automobiles, organic fertilisers, foodstuffs, and construction materials. This vast array of goods underscores the interconnectedness of the economies of the two countries and their mutual dependence on each other for specific goods and services.

(Read Also: Improvement of people’s living standard, key priority of royal administration: Cambodian PM Hun Manet)

Future Prospects and Bilateral Talks

Despite the recent dip in trade, the future prospects of the Cambodia-Thailand trade relationship look promising. An official visit by the Thai Prime Minister to Cambodia is scheduled for September 28th. The visit will provide an opportunity for bilateral talks aimed at deepening and expanding the ties between the two countries.

These talks are expected to address the current trade situation, explore potential avenues for enhancing trade relations, and discuss strategies aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of global economic changes. The outcome of these discussions could shape the future of trade between Cambodia and Thailand, potentially leading to a rebound in trade volumes.

(Read Also: Cambodian PM Hun Manet’s Evolving Foreign Policy Doctrine)

Global Trade Landscape

Apart from the bilateral dynamics, the Cambodia-Thailand trade relationship is also influenced by broader changes in the global trade landscape. The rapid pace of technology adoption, the rise of AI-powered research, and patient design in the pharmaceutical industry are changing the way goods and services are produced and traded across borders.

Moreover, each country has its own geopolitical, cultural, and economic forces shaping its trade policies and practices. As such, understanding the current global picture is crucial to fully comprehend the trade dynamics between Cambodia and Thailand.

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