Unmanufactured tobacco and refuse market in Cambodia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, Cambodia's unmanufactured tobacco market volume experienced significant volatility. In 2018, the market reached 23 797 t, supported by the agricultural sector's role as an economic pillar and government strategies to enhance competitiveness. However, 2019 saw a sharp contraction to 11 498 t, halving the market size.

After the 2019 drop, the market recovered to 14 807 t in 2020 and stayed near that level in 2021 at 14 620 t. In 2022, the Cambodian government enacted new public-private partnership and investment laws, creating a framework for future investments, while a decline in the prevalence of manufactured cigarette smoking reduced demand for raw tobacco, pulling the market volume down to 13 953 t. The following year, Cambodia's 6.6% GDP growth stimulated economic activity, aiding a recovery to 14 244 t in 2023.

Production unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in Cambodia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, 2017-2020

World map of production of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse, 2017-2020

Cambodia produced 12 970 tonnes of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse in 2020, marking a 31.3% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 10.1%, with an average annual decrease of 3.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 9 880 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 14 596 tonnes. The most significant drop was observed in 2019, when production fell by 32.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Cambodia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse from Cambodia

Exports in kind, t

Cambodia's export market for unmanufactured tobacco and refuse exhibited notable volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 4.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports totaled 2 946 tonnes, representing a sharp decline of 28.7% compared to 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 132 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 with a surge of 213.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Cambodia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China were the primary destinations for Cambodia's unmanufactured tobacco and refuse exports by volume. Vietnam accounted for 59.3% of exports, Indonesia for 12.7%, and China for 8.3%. Together, these three countries absorbed 80.3% of Cambodia's total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Cambodia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, Cambodia's exports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse by value declined in 2020. Exports amounted to 5 719 thousand US dollars, down 49.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 2.2%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 0.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 11 223 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 69.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Cambodia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore were the main buyers of Cambodia's unmanufactured tobacco and refuse by value. Vietnam accounted for 51.6% of export value, Indonesia for 17.5%, and Singapore for 4.7%. Collectively, these three countries represented 73.8% of Cambodia's total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Cambodia in value, 2017-2020

Imports unmanufactured tobacco and refuse to Cambodia

Imports in kind, t

Cambodia's imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse by volume declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. Imports totaled 4 783 tonnes, reflecting a significant contraction of 16.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 64.9%, with an average annual decline of 29.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Cambodia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017-2020, China, Malawi, and Brazil were the core sources of Cambodia's unmanufactured tobacco and refuse imports by volume. China accounted for 51.2% of imports, Malawi for 10.2%, and Brazil for 7.6%. Together, these three countries supplied 68.9% of Cambodia's total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Cambodia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Cambodia's imports of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse by value declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Imports amounted to 9 338 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a steep contraction of 30.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 37.3%, with an average annual decline of 14.4%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 15 803 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase also occurred in 2018 with a rise of 6.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Cambodia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China, Malawi, and Brazil were the main suppliers of unmanufactured tobacco and refuse to Cambodia by value. China accounted for 38.1% of import value, Malawi for 8.9%, and Brazil for 8.8%. Together, these three countries comprised 55.8% of Cambodia's total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Cambodia in value, 2017-2020