Made here

The twenty imports Cambodia is best placed to replace.

Cambodia imported USD 27bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 31bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 3.3bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
194products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
525products Cambodia already exports well
520product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Cambodia already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Cambodia would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Cambodia does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220

    Comes fromIndonesia 82%, 28 source countries
    Nearest export strengthJackets and blazers: men's or boys', of textile materials n.e.c. in...
    Exports of this lineUSD 10m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 11m
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 8 of 8: import bill USD 284m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 9 per cent (3); Indonesia supplies 82 per cent (2).

    USD 284mdown 5% on 2022
  2. 2

    Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, of yarns of different colours, weighing more than 200g/m2...HS 520942

    Comes fromChina 74%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCotton yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or... (exports USD 9m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 66m
    Countries that export it well18

    Score 8 of 8: import bill USD 172m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 7 per cent (3); China supplies 74 per cent (2).

    USD 172mup 48% on 2022
  3. 3

    Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, dyedHS 600632

    Comes fromChina 78%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings... (exports USD 15m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 802k; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 55m
    Countries that export it well13

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 384m, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2); China supplies 78 per cent (2).

    USD 384mdown 23% on 2022
  4. 4

    Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890

    Comes fromChina 93%, 25 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or non-alloy steel (excluding cast iron): tubes and pipes (not... (exports USD 56m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 100m
    Countries that export it well33

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 172m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2); China supplies 93 per cent (2).

    USD 172mdown 1% on 2022
  5. 5

    Fabrics, woven: containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing...HS 521142

    Comes fromChina 74%, 11 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCotton yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or... (exports USD 9m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 880k; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 70m
    Countries that export it well11

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 128m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 11 per cent (2); China supplies 74 per cent (2).

    USD 128mdown 1% on 2022
  6. 6

    Wood: n.e.c. in heading no. 4408, sheets for veneer or plywood, other wood sawn lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether...HS 440890

    Comes fromChina 60%, 18 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlywood: with sheets of wood only: not bamboo: each ply 6mm or less... (exports USD 227m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 438k
    Countries that export it well37

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 111m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 24 per cent (2); China supplies 60 per cent (2).

    USD 111mup 40% on 2022
  7. 7

    Food preparations: pasta (excluding stuffed), cooked or otherwise preparedHS 190230

    Comes fromThailand 49%, 25 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this lineUSD 7m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 13m
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 103m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 10 per cent (3); Thailand supplies 49 per cent (1).

    USD 103mdown 26% on 2022
  8. 8

    Iron or non-alloy steel: bars and rods, forged, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, but including those twisted...HS 721410

    Comes fromVietnam 94%, 4 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFerrous waste and scrap: of alloy steel (excluding stainless) (exports USD 5m)
    Exports of this linenone recorded; 1 more line in the heading, USD 47m
    Countries that export it well10

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 60m, top 16 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 9 per cent (3); Vietnam supplies 94 per cent (2).

    USD 60mup 93% on 2022
  9. 9

    Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics of a width exceeding 30 cm, other than those of heading 60.01, containing by...HS 600410

    Comes fromChina 70%, 16 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings... (exports USD 15m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well14

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 532m, top 0 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 39 per cent (1); China supplies 70 per cent (2).

    USD 532mup 28% on 2022
  10. 10

    Non-alcoholic beverages: other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in item no. 2202.10, not including fruit, nut or...HS 220299

    Comes fromThailand 87%, 27 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCereal flours: other than wheat, meslin, and maize (corn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 261k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 205m
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 248m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1); Thailand supplies 87 per cent (2).

    USD 248mdown 9% on 2022
  11. 11

    Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of textured polyester filaments, dyedHS 540752

    Comes fromChina 83%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this lineUSD 126k; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 281m
    Countries that export it well5

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 220m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1); China supplies 83 per cent (2).

    USD 220mup 59% on 2022
  12. 12

    Telephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networksHS 851713

    Comes fromChina 69%, 23 source countries
    Nearest export strengthElectrical apparatus: photosensitive semiconductor devices... (exports USD 1.4bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 84m
    Countries that export it well11

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 133m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1); China supplies 69 per cent (2).

    USD 133mdown 26% on 2022
  13. 13

    Paper and paperboard: labels or all kinds, printedHS 482110

    Comes fromChina 71%, 38 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPaper and paperboard: binders, folders and file covers (exports USD 44m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 809k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 12m
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 125m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 35 per cent (1); China supplies 71 per cent (2).

    USD 125mdown 2% on 2022
  14. 14

    Aluminium: casks, drums, cans, boxes and the like for any material (not compressed or liquefied gas), 300l capacity or...HS 761290

    Comes fromVietnam 72%, 10 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: waste and scrap (exports USD 142m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m
    Countries that export it well42

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 119m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); Vietnam supplies 72 per cent (2).

    USD 119mdown 1% on 2022
  15. 15

    Slide fasteners: other than those fitted with chain scoops of base metalHS 960719

    Comes fromChina 61%, 19 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTravel sets: for personal toilet, sewing, shoe or clothes cleaning (exports USD 33m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 94m
    Countries that export it well13

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 117m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 36 per cent (1); China supplies 61 per cent (2).

    USD 117mup 2% on 2022
  16. 16

    Ceramic tiles: flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles other than those of subheadings 6907.30 and 6907.40, of a water...HS 690721

    Comes fromChina 91%, 16 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this linenone recorded; 1 more line in the heading, USD 28m
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 113m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 27 per cent (1); China supplies 91 per cent (2).

    USD 113mup 14% on 2022
  17. 17

    Fabrics: looped pile fabrics, of cotton, knitted or crochetedHS 600121

    Comes fromMalaysia 74%, 6 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings... (exports USD 15m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 112k; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 75m
    Countries that export it well14

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 91m, top 10 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 28 per cent (1); Malaysia supplies 74 per cent (2).

    USD 91mup 92% on 2022
  18. 18

    Labels, badges and similar articles: woven, of textile materials, in the piece, in strips or cut to shape or size, not...HS 580710

    Comes fromChina 73%, 31 source countries
    Nearest export strengthEmbroidery: with visible ground, of man-made fibres, in the piece... (exports USD 2m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 170k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 11m
    Countries that export it well13

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 65m, top 15 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 16 per cent (2); China supplies 73 per cent (2).

    USD 65mup 12% on 2022
  19. 19

    Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys: dolls' carriages: dolls: other toys: reduced-size (scale)...HS 950300

    Comes fromChina 85%, 37 source countries
    Nearest export strengthChristmas festivity articles (exports USD 174m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 50m
    Countries that export it well12

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 57m, top 17 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 20 per cent (2); China supplies 85 per cent (2).

    USD 57mup 27% on 2022
  20. 20

    Rubber thread and cord: textile coveredHS 560410

    Comes fromChina 76%, 12 source countries
    Nearest export strengthYarn: articles of yarn, strip or the like of heading no. 5404 and... (exports USD 4m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 108k
    Countries that export it well8

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 24m, top 47 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Cambodia's export strengths in the top 10 per cent (3); China supplies 76 per cent (2).

    USD 24mup 51% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Cambodia already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to... imports USD 410m, exports USD 4m, top source Vietnam 85%
  • Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to... imports USD 365m, exports USD 15m, top source China 92%
  • Sugars: sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added... imports USD 392m, exports USD 90m, top source Thailand 96%
  • Fabrics: knitted or crocheted, other than those of heading 60.01, of a width... imports USD 297m, exports USD 3m, top source Vietnam 93%
  • Footwear: parts, outer soles and heels, of rubber or plastics imports USD 101m, exports USD 8m, top source Vietnam 67%
  • Footwear: parts, n.e.c. in heading 6406 imports USD 105m, exports USD 14m, top source China 57%
  • Chemical elements: doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers... imports USD 119m, exports USD 30m, top source China 97%
  • Electrical apparatus: photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells... imports USD 216m, exports USD 148m, top source China 99%
  • Footwear: parts, uppers and parts thereof, other than stiffeners imports USD 63m, exports USD 8m, top source China 85%
  • Clothing: worn, and other worn articles imports USD 59m, exports USD 9m, top source China 32%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 520 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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