Cambodia’s total trade was valued at 8.95 billion USD in January-June, a year-on-year rise of 17 percent, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

However, the country posted a trade deficit of 1.41 billion USD during the period as export rose by 20 percent to 3.77 billion USD while import went up by 16 percent to 5.18 billion USD.

Its key trade partners are the US, European countries, China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia.

Apparel products made up over 80 percent of the country’s total shipments.

Spokesman of the ministry Ken Ratha cited Cambodia’s better economic performance and sound relations with its partners as the reasons behind the increase in trade volume.

He said the ministry has been working actively to attract more investors and seek new foreign markets in the hope of narrowing trade deficit in the future.-VNA