Construction Imports Surge 40% as Cambodia’s Property Sector Shows Signs of Revival

PHNOM PENH, Feb 27, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s construction material imports jumped 40 percent year-on-year in January to nearly $248 million, signaling renewed momentum in the property and building sectors, official data showed Friday.

The General Department of Customs and Excise said the sharp rise reflects sustained inflows of materials for newly approved projects, as the Royal Government steps up efforts to revive the real estate market.

Figures from the National Bank of Cambodia show the value of approved construction projects climbed 48.3 percent in 2025, led by industrial, residential and tourism-related developments. Industrial projects more than doubled, housing expanded 66.5 percent, and tourism construction surged 72.1 percent, underscoring shifting investment toward productive, income-generating sectors.

While overall real estate growth was modest at 2.4 percent last year, customs data indicate construction imports contributed about 33 percent of total customs revenue of $3 billion, highlighting the sector’s fiscal weight.

For the full year 2025, Cambodia imported $2.6 billion worth of construction materials, up more than 30 percent from 2024, suggesting developers are gradually regaining confidence after earlier market slowdowns.