Seoul: Cambodian exporters have expressed hope that the Republic of Korea will open more market opportunities for Cambodian products, as two-way trade between the two countries reached about US$747 million in the first ten months of 2025, an increase of 7.66 percent year-on-year.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Confirel's Trade Marketing Manager, Mr. Ear Chhayheng, revealed that the company is exploring the possibility of exporting additional products to the Korean market. Speaking at the ASEAN Trade Fair organized by the ASEAN-Korea Centre from Nov. 13-16, 2025, he mentioned that while 30 Cambodian products are already available in Korea, there are more products like GI-certified Kampong Speu palm sugar and Kampot pepper they hope to export.
Mr. Ear Chhayheng further stated that after attending the three-day ASEAN Trade Fair, there is an expectation to export more items, especially powdered prahok, cashew nuts, and pepper flower tea, with new developments anticipated by the end of this year or early next year.
Similarly, the President of the Cambodia Pepper and Spices Federation (CPSF), Mr. Mak Ny, expressed optimism that South Korea will increase imports of Cambodian pepper. He noted that currently, about 80 percent of Cambodian pepper is exported to Vietnam, and his participation in the fair aimed to expand market access to Korea.
The ASEAN Trade Fair, held as part of ASEAN Week 2025, provided a platform for ASEAN small and medium-sized enterprises to connect with Korean buyers. Cambodian products such as cashew nuts, pepper, dried mango, and noodles were showcased at the event.
In the first ten months of 2025, Cambodia's exports to Korea amounted to US$262.47 million, a slight increase of 0.15 percent, while imports from Korea rose by 12.22 percent to US$484.22 million.