Property News Roundup 21st July 2025
We’re delighted to share the weekly news highlights below.
- Cambodia Airports named operator of new Techo International Airport
Cambodia Airports—operated by VINCI Airports—has been appointed by the Cambodia Airport Investment Company (CAIC) to manage the forthcoming Techo International Airport, set to open in September 2025. The announcement follows CAIC’s collaboration with Chinese-backed OCIC and the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation to develop a large-scale international airport south of Phnom Penh at Ta Khmau. VINCI, drawing on nearly three decades of experience running Cambodian airports since 1995, will oversee daily operations, route development, and service standards, working to enhance passenger comfort, operational efficiency, and global connectivity.Techo International Airport will be a 4F-class facility built by Foster + Partners, featuring a terminal spanning over 240,000 m², three runways, 20–22 aerobridges, and sustainability features including solar energy and green design elements. Phase I will accommodate 13 million passengers annually, expanding to 30 million in Phase II and 50 million in Phase III. The move signifies Cambodia’s efforts to boost infrastructure, tourism, and regional air connectivity ahead of the airport’s September 2025 opening.
July 14th, 2025 | Khmer Times | Link: t.ly/-cM9x
- Private sector mobilizes efforts to respond to 36% US tariff
Cambodia’s private sector is mobilizing efforts in response to a newly confirmed 36 percent tariff imposed by the United States on selected Cambodian exports. Facing this significant trade barrier, local exporters and industry associations have initiated a multi‑pronged strategy to mitigate the impact. This includes lobbying the Cambodian government to engage U.S. officials through diplomatic and trade channels, pushing for possible exemptions or gradual implementation of the tariff. Companies are also considering diversifying their market focus—exploring alternative export destinations such as the EU, China, and ASEAN—as a hedge against potential loss of U.S. market share. Additionally, businesses are enhancing product quality and compliance with international standards to better withstand trade scrutiny and avoid added tariff liabilities. Industry groups are exploring ways to share insights and coordinate collective responses, ensuring smaller exporters receive support. This proactive stance reflects the sector’s recognition of the tariff’s threat to Cambodia’s export growth and the urgency to safeguard the country’s economic stability and global trade relations.
July 14th, 2025 | The Star | Link: t.ly/s_xeT
- Cambodia ranks third in cashew cultivation area
Cambodia ranks third globally in cashew cultivation, with 580,117 hectares under production, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Major cashew-growing provinces include Kampong Thom, Kratie, and Ratanakiri. The data, collected through satellite technology and AI since 2021, offers accurate mapping and aims to support strategic agriculture policy. Officials highlighted cashew’s market value due to its quality and size, emphasizing it as a key crop alongside rice.
October 28th, 2024 | Khmer Times | Link: t.ly/-XkW4
- Trump announces tariffs of 30% on Mexico and the European Union
On July 12, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the implementation of a 30% tariff on imports from both Mexico and the European Union, effective August 1. The move was framed as part of his effort to protect American jobs and rebalance what he claims are unfair trade practices. Trump cited grievances including the EU’s digital taxation policies and Mexico’s handling of border control and fentanyl trafficking. The announcement came via official letters and posts on his social media platform.
The decision sparked strong criticism from both Mexico and EU leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned the tariffs could disrupt global supply chains and stated the EU would be ready to respond if necessary. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed the sentiment, calling for credible countermeasures. Mexico expressed hope for dialogue to avoid escalation. Analysts view the tariff threats as part of Trump’s negotiation tactics, potentially subject to revision depending on international response and domestic economic impact.
July 14th, 2025 | CNN | Link: t.ly/TRfr1
- Cambodia to enforce military conscription law in 2026
Cambodia will begin enforcing its long-standing military conscription law starting in 2026, as confirmed by Prime Minister Hun Manet’s administration. Although the law was enacted in 2006, it has not been implemented until now. Under the upcoming enforcement, all Cambodian citizens both male and female between the ages of 18 and 30 will be required to serve in the military. The initial service period is set at 18 months, with the possibility of extending to 24 months to improve training depth and overall preparedness.
The government states that this move aims to strengthen national defense, promote discipline, and develop a more capable reserve force that can support the professional military during national emergencies or threats. Authorities have emphasized that the law will be enforced fairly and equally across the country, without discrimination. While legal and logistical details are still under discussion, military officials and national security analysts have welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a step toward modernizing Cambodia’s armed forces and addressing evolving regional security challenges.
July 15th, 2025 | News18 | Link: t.ly/nFYgP
- Exports to US surpass $5.5 billion in H1
Cambodia’s exports to the United States totaled approximately US $5.52 billion in the first half of 2025, reflecting a robust 25.6% year-over-year increase compared to the same period last year. This growth contributed significantly to a broader expansion in Cambodia’s trade volume, with total exports to the world exceeding US $14.29 billion, and trade with its top 20 partners surpassing US $30 billion during H1 2025. The U.S. has solidified its position as Cambodia’s largest export market, while China remains its largest overall trading partner. Imports from the U.S. were more modest, growing by around 29%, totaling roughly US $165 million. The surge in exports includes key categories like garments, footwear, travel goods, agricultural produce, electronics, and wood products, driven by strong external demand. The performance signals Cambodia’s strengthening integration into global supply chains and reinforces the importance of the U.S. market amid discussions on trade policy and tariff negotiations.
July 15th, 2025 | The Star | Link: https://tinyurl.com/5ydj6b6d
- Cambodia Attracts Seven New Investment Projects Worth USD 123 Million in Key Sectors
Cambodia has attracted seven new investment projects worth a total of USD 123 million across key sectors including industrial, agricultural, and tourism. These projects, approved during the 10th “Single Entry-Exit Meeting” on July 7, 2025, are expected to create around 2,000 jobs and are located in Phnom Penh, Kampong Speu, Takeo, and Tbong Khmum provinces. The industrial sector accounts for five projects focusing on manufacturing furniture, kitchenware made from plastic and metal, lifting equipment, secondary materials, and household electrical appliances. The agricultural sector includes a rubber processing project, while the tourism sector features the development of a luxury five-star hotel with 227 rooms. Chaired by His Excellency Chea Vuthy, Secretary-General of the Committee for Investment of Cambodia, the meeting highlighted Cambodia’s growing appeal to foreign investors and its positive impact on economic growth and employment opportunities.
July, 16th, 2025 | Construction and Property | Link: t.ly/acwYT
- Over 5,000 new enterprises set up in less than two years
Cambodia has experienced a significant surge in entrepreneurial activity, with over 11,500 new business establishments registered in the first 11 months of 2023. This marks a 14.5% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, reflecting a growing confidence among both local and foreign investors. The new enterprises span various sectors, including manufacturing, services, and retail, and are primarily operated by entrepreneurs from China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. This upward trend underscores Cambodia’s improving business environment and its appeal as a destination for investment. The government’s focus on enhancing political stability and economic opportunities has been instrumental in fostering this growth. However, the country also witnessed the closure of approximately 967 businesses during the same period, indicating the dynamic nature of the entrepreneurial landscape.
July 16th, 2025 | Khmer Time | Link: t.ly/kKkVd
- Trump tariffs: EU delays retaliatory trade tariffs, seeks deal after 30% US rate – as it happened
On July 14, 2025, European Union trade ministers convened in Brussels to discuss the U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a 30% tariff on most EU imports, effective August 1. The EU leaders unanimously deemed the move “absolutely unacceptable” and emphasized the necessity of a negotiated resolution to avoid escalating trade tensions. European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic expressed hope for a positive outcome but cautioned that the proposed tariffs could severely disrupt transatlantic supply chains and economic relations. In response, the EU is preparing retaliatory measures, including a potential second package of tariffs targeting $84 billion worth of U.S. goods, while also striving to reach a trade agreement before the deadline. This development underscores the intensifying trade dispute between the U.S. and the EU, with significant implications for global commerce.
July 16th, 2025 | Reuters | Link: t.ly/o7Inu
- Cambodia’s trade with RCEP countries reaches nearly $20 bln in 1st half of the year
Cambodia’s trade with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) countries reached approximately US$19.7 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 16.5% increase from the same period in 2024. Exports to RCEP members totaled US$5.03 billion, up 11%, while imports amounted to US$14.67 billion, reflecting an 18.5% rise. This trade represents about 63% of Cambodia’s total international trade during this period. The top five trading partners within the RCEP framework are China, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Singapore. The RCEP, effective since January 1, 2022, is the world’s largest trade bloc, encompassing 15 Asia-Pacific nations, including the 10 ASEAN member states and five key partners: China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. Cambodia’s Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, Penn Sovicheat, emphasized that the RCEP agreement has significantly boosted Cambodia’s export growth and attracted foreign direct investment, enhancing the country’s economic development and prosperity.
July 17th, 2024 | The Phnom Penh Post | Link: t.ly/Zs76i