Thailand-Cambodia trade drops 97% YoY in Jul due to border closure

The tensions led to clashes between the two sides from July 24 to 28.

The suspension halted the movement of all vehicles and goods across the border, severely disrupting trade flows that many Cambodian businesses rely on. Exports from Cambodia to Thailand dropped dramatically, while imports from Thailand also fell to minimal levels.

Thailand’s exports to the country reached just $11.38 million during the month, and imports were worth approximately $185,000.

The disruption immediately hit Cambodian exporters, farmers and traders. Agricultural shipments were delayed or cancelled, leaving producers with excess stock and higher storage costs, the department said.

Thailand’s overall border and transit trade for July still grew by 5 per cent YoY, reaching $5.11 billion, with exports increasing by 5.9 per cent YoY and imports rising by 3.9 per cent YoY, resulting in a trade surplus of $560 million, Thai media outlets reported.

Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) along the border reported revenue losses, while logistics operators faced mounting operational challenges due to halted transport routes.

Cambodia’s general department of customs and excise reported that export volume to Thailand in July declined by 31.3 per cent YoY to $40.6 million. Imports from Thailand in the month dropped by 44.1 per cent YoY to $16.6 million.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)