Overview
With Cambodia’s growing prosperity, automobile ownership is rapidly increasing. While the vast majority of cars in Cambodia are imported second-hand vehicles, new cars are gaining in popularity with the country’s increasing disposable income levels. Cambodia’s new car market share is rebounding from a pandemic-related slump, reaching approximately 40 percent in 2022, and is forecast to reach 50 percent by 2026. The most popular models are four-wheel-drive vehicles and mid-sized Japanese sedans. All car imports must be left-hand drive. The United States is the largest supplier of used vehicles in Cambodia.
A number of companies sell used and new cars in Phnom Penh, including Ford and Chevrolet. Annual imports of vehicles from the United States to Cambodia reached 113 million in 2022, an increase of 43 percent year-on-year. U.S.-branded vehicles are popular and highly recognized for quality and durability. To meet increasing demand, Ford’s local distributor, RMA Group Cambodia, opened an auto assembly plant in Pursat province in June 2022. Toyota is building an assembly plant in Phnom Penh which is scheduled to open in 2024. Mercedes, Ssangyong, Great Wall Motor, Hyundai, BMW, Peugeot, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Mazda have local dealerships in Cambodia. Cambodia has committed to boost the use of electric vehicles (EV) cars and buses by 40 percent, and EV motorcycles by 70 percent by 2050. As of June 2023, there are 23 EV charging stations in Cambodia and BYD Auto is planning to install 200 EV charging stations.
Automobile parts and accessories from the United States are available in Cambodian markets, particularly for Ford and General Motors vehicles. Toyota remains a top brand choice for consumers because parts are readily available and affordable. As with other products, U.S. auto parts have a reputation for quality and attract a higher price than parts produced in Thailand, Taiwan, or other locations in Asia.
| Import of Vehicles and Parts | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | Jan.-Aug.2023 |
| Total imports (value) | 2,372,151 | 1,704,034 | 1,965,772 | 2,374,503 | 975,855 |
| Exchange Rate: 1 USD | 4,000 riel | 4,000 riel | 4,000 riel | 4,000 riel | 4,000 riel |
Unit: USD thousands
Data Source: Cambodia General Department of Customs and Excise
*Note: Vehicles and Parts include items under customs HS Code 87 (vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof).
Opportunities
Further opportunities exist for the importation of new cars, used cars, accessories, and spare parts.
Resources
Cambodia Ministry of Public Works and Transport
Automobile Association of Cambodia
Cambodia General Department of Customs and Excise