Cambodia's automotive landscape is transforming at breakneck speed. In 2025, the Southeast Asian nation spent $1.1 billion on car imports—a staggering 60% increase from the $686.7 million recorded in 2024—with electric vehicles leading the charge. For U.S. exporters, dealers, and logistics providers, this surge represents a compelling new frontier for vehicle exports, especially as Cambodia continues to reduce EV‑related tariffs and expand charging infrastructure.
This article unpacks what the import boom means for exporters and shippers, explains Cambodia's car tax codes and customs structure, and highlights the top five electric vehicles driving demand in Phnom Penh and beyond. If you're considering shipping cars to Cambodia, West Coast Shipping's Cambodia country page provides instant rates and door‑to‑door service from California, Florida, and New Jersey warehouses to Sihanoukville port.
Cambodia's Ministry of Commerce reported that the country's car import expenditure soared from $686.7 million in 2024 to $1.1 billion in 2025—a jump of more than half in a single year. While the ministry did not disclose the exact number of vehicles imported, the sharp increase in value reflects both higher unit prices and shifting buyer preferences.
A key reason is the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle segment. Commenting on the trend, Thong Mengdavid, deputy director at the China‑ASEAN Studies Center of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, noted that EV registrations have grown quickly and that this reflects deeper structural changes. He pointed to expanding charging infrastructure and ambitious national electrification goals as conditions that will support sustained growth in Cambodia's EV market over the medium to long term.
Looking for the bigger context behind these trends—import values, EV demand, and tax policy? Read the pillar article, What Cambodia’s Car Import Surge Means for Exporters.
Cambodia has seen a surge in electric vehicle registrations over the last two years. Public data show EV numbers growing several‑fold between 2023 and 2024, and market analysis indicates continued acceleration in 2025 as more brands and models become available. Estimates from regional EV market trackers suggest that BYD, Toyota (including hybrids), and Tesla rank among the top brands by registration count as of mid‑2024, with BYD in particular gaining market share quickly; however, specific figures such as “658 BYD, 261 Toyota, 186 Tesla by June 2024” should be treated as market analysis estimates rather than official government statistics.
What is clear from both official and industry sources is that:
EV registrations are growing at several hundred percent year‑on‑year.
Government policy is deliberately steering buyers toward electric and hybrid vehicles.
Charging infrastructure is expanding in Phnom Penh and other key urban centers.
Cambodia's "Electric Vehicle Sector Development Policy (2024‑2030)" targets 30,000 EVs on the road by 2030. To support this, authorities have set up tax incentives so that the total effective tax burden on fully electric vehicles is roughly 63% of CIF value, compared with around 123% for many traditional fuel vehicles. These percentages represent cumulative tax impacts (tariff + special tax + VAT), not simple tariff rates.
One of the strongest signals of long‑term EV demand in Cambodia is BYD's decision to invest directly in local production. In April 2025, BYD broke ground on a passenger vehicle factory in the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone with an announced investment of around $32 million and planned capacity of 10,000 vehicles per year once fully operational. The facility is expected to start production from late 2025 or early 2026.
For exporters and logistics providers, this has several implications:
BYD's local presence will stimulate aftermarket parts and service demand.
It will likely increase overall EV awareness and adoption, benefitting the broader market.
It may shift some demand from fully imported vehicles to SKD/CKD (semi‑knockdown/complete knockdown) kits and regionally assembled units, while still requiring inbound logistics.
For American dealers, auction buyers, and salvage exporters, Cambodia's 60% import surge translates into three concrete opportunities:
Expanding Demand for New and Used EVs
Cambodia's rapid EV adoption creates consistent demand for both new and lightly used electric vehicles from the U.S. market. West Coast Shipping has historically facilitated salvage and used‑vehicle flows into emerging markets; with Cambodia, the focus is shifting toward higher‑value EVs and hybrids that can still be landed at competitive prices due to favorable tax treatment.
Preferential Treatment for Some U.S.-Origin Vehicles
According to industry reports, Cambodia introduced zero‑tariff treatment for certain U.S.-origin goods, including used cars, from mid‑2025 onward. The intent is to encourage bilateral trade in vehicles and other high‑value products. However, local implementation may vary and tariff preferences can change, so importers should always verify current eligibility with Cambodian customs authorities or a trusted customs broker before relying on a zero‑tariff assumption.
Infrastructure Momentum and Policy Support
Cambodia is actively expanding its EV charging network and refining customs procedures to accommodate growing import volumes. This reduces the operational friction associated with introducing new models and supports higher vehicle utilization rates once cars arrive.
West Coast Shipping offers container shipping to Cambodia via Sihanoukville, with flexible consolidation options for single‑vehicle and multi‑vehicle loads. EVs require specific handling, including:
Maintaining the correct state of charge (SOC) during ocean transit.
Ensuring battery documentation is complete and aligned with carrier rules.
Using loading methods described in WCS’s complete guide to container shipping for vehicles to secure high‑value EVs properly.
For a deeper dive into EV‑specific export protocols, see the complete guide to EV shipping: cost, methods & safety.
Understanding Cambodia's customs and tax structure is essential for anyone looking to import vehicles profitably. The country follows the 8‑digit Harmonized System (HS) Code under the World Customs Organization and aligns with the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN). Tax liability is calculated on the CIF value (Cost + Freight + other insurable costs) and consists of three main components: import duty (tariff), special tax, and value‑added tax (VAT).
Cambodia's tariff rates range from 0% to 35%, with an average around 15%. The exact rate depends on the vehicle's HS classification, engine displacement, and type:
Large‑displacement passenger cars (for example, HS codes covering engines above 3,000cc) typically attract the higher end of the tariff range.
Electric vehicles often benefit from reduced or zero import duty under current incentive schemes.
Smaller, fuel‑efficient vehicles may fall into mid‑range tariff bands.
Need a step‑by‑step framework for modeling landed costs and tax burden on your shipments? Read Cambodia’s Car Tax Codes Explained for Importers for a practical walk‑through.
The special tax applies to specific categories of goods, including vehicles, and is levied at rates between about 3% and 45%, depending on vehicle type, fuel type, and displacement. In practice:
Many conventional fuel vehicles face relatively high special tax rates.
Fully electric vehicles benefit from lower special tax rates as part of the government's push for greener transport.
Cambodia imposes a flat 10% VAT on all vehicle imports. The VAT base is calculated as:
CIF value + Import Duty + Special Tax
Because VAT is applied on top of duty and special tax, this compounding effect makes the total effective tax burden significantly higher than any individual component.
Policy documents and professional tax analyses often summarize Cambodia's auto tax structure using total effective tax burdens rather than individual rates:
A typical fuel vehicle can face a total effective tax burden of up to around 123% of CIF value, once import duty, special tax, and VAT are all included.
A typical electric vehicle may face a total effective tax burden of roughly 63% of CIF value, reflecting lower duty and special tax and the same 10% VAT.
These percentages are cumulative, meaning they represent the combined impact of all taxes on CIF, not a single tariff line.
Cambodia has progressively adjusted its duty and special tax rates on certain goods to align with regional integration and green‑growth goals. EV‑related components such as traction motors and high‑capacity batteries have seen their tax treatments improved in recent years, including moves to reduce or eliminate special tax on some items and lower import duty on selected vehicle categories.
Because detailed tariff schedules, notifications, and legal instruments can change frequently and may not always be easily accessible in English, importers should:
Consult Cambodia’s official customs and trade portals.
Work with a local customs broker in Sihanoukville or Phnom Penh.
Ask West Coast Shipping or their broker to confirm current rates before finalizing purchase decisions.
Rather than relying on any single notification number, treat summaries like this article as a framework, and always confirm the current law before shipping.
As noted earlier, industry reports indicate that Cambodia has moved to provide zero‑tariff treatment for certain U.S.-origin goods, including vehicles, as part of a broader trade policy shift beginning in 2025. However:
Such preferences may be limited to specific HS codes or categories.
Implementation can vary based on documentation, rules of origin, and policy updates.
Preferential treatment does not eliminate other taxes (special tax and VAT) unless expressly stated.
For this reason, importers should verify preferential access directly with Cambodian customs authorities or their customs broker and ensure all certificates of origin and supporting documents clearly establish U.S. origin.
Cambodia does not currently provide a general low‑value exemption for vehicle imports. Even a $5,000 used or salvage car is subject to full duty, special tax, and VAT based on its CIF value. This makes accurate valuation and proper HS classification critical to managing your landed cost.
Cambodia’s clearance process for cars and EVs typically requires:
Original vehicle title or certificate of ownership
Bill of sale
Commercial invoice showing CIF breakdown
Bill of lading
Correct HS code declaration for the vehicle type and fuel/energy source
Working with experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers is essential. West Coast Shipping coordinates with local partners as part of its international car shipping service to help minimize delays and misclassifications.
Based on registration trends, regional EV studies, and local market reporting, these five EVs stand out as particularly promising for import into Cambodia. Vehicle prices below are approximate global starting points; local Cambodian pricing can differ due to taxes, logistics, and dealer margins.
Why It’s Popular
The BYD Atto 3 is widely regarded as one of the most popular EVs in Cambodia, boosted by BYD’s aggressive regional expansion and planned domestic production in Sihanoukville. Its blend of price, range, and tech features resonates strongly with urban buyers.
Approximate Global Pricing & Specs (may vary in Cambodia):
Starting from: around $40,000 in many markets (trim‑dependent)
Battery: 50 kWh (Essential) / 60.5 kWh (Premium)
Range: roughly 340‑420 km (211‑261 miles) WLTP, depending on trim
Power: about 150 kW (201 hp), 0‑100 km/h in around 7.3 seconds
Cargo space: about 440 L
Shipping Notes
Compact crossover dimensions make the Atto 3 ideal for container consolidation. Multiple Atto 3 units can be loaded in a single 40ft container using proven methods from WCS’s container shipping guide, helping wholesalers reduce per‑unit freight costs.
If you’re ready to move from market theory to specific cars to buy, don’t miss Top 5 EVs to Import into Cambodia from the USA for a focused shortlist.
Why It’s Popular
The Tesla Model 3 has strong brand pull among higher‑income buyers in Phnom Penh and other major cities. Early dealership presence and high visibility on social media have cemented Tesla as a premium aspirational brand.
Approximate Global Pricing & Specs (may vary in Cambodia):
Starting from: about $38,000 in the U.S., higher in Europe and Asia
Battery: approximately 60–79 kWh depending on variant
Range: roughly 445–580 km (276–360 miles) on many global test cycles
Performance: 0‑60 mph in about 5.2–6.2 seconds (model‑specific)
Shipping Notes
Model 3 dimensions fit well in containers, enabling efficient stacking in shared and dedicated loads. U.S.-built Model 3s may qualify for preferential treatment under U.S.-Cambodia arrangements if origin is documented correctly. For Tesla‑specific export considerations (battery preparation, loading, and documentation), exporters can reference WCS content on shipping Teslas and BYDs to Europe; the same principles apply to Cambodia.
Why It’s Popular
The Nissan Leaf is one of the most widely recognized and proven EVs worldwide, with a reputation for reliability and affordability. In Cambodia, it appeals to first‑time EV buyers and commercial operators who want a dependable, low‑running‑cost vehicle.
Approximate Global Pricing & Specs (may vary in Cambodia):
Starting from: about $31,000 in the U.S.
Battery: roughly 40 kWh or 62 kWh (Leaf Plus)
Range: about 240–364 km (149–226 miles) depending on battery size
Power: about 147 hp (base) to 214 hp (Plus)
Shipping Notes
The Leaf’s compact hatchback footprint allows excellent utilization of container space, particularly in shared 40ft loads. Exporters can pair Leafs with other compact EVs or hybrids to maximize fill while maintaining safe clearances.
Why They’re Popular
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Kona Electric offer a strong mix of style, range, and value, appealing to buyers who want modern tech without the premium brand price tag of Tesla.
Approximate Global Pricing & Specs (may vary in Cambodia):
Ioniq 5:
Starting from: roughly $36,000–$37,000 in the U.S.
Battery: about 63–84 kWh depending on configuration
Range: around 245–318 miles (394–512 km) EPA
Power: approximately 168–320 hp depending on motor and drive layout
Kona Electric:
Starting from: approximately mid‑$30,000s in the U.S.
Range: around 415 km (258 miles) on many test cycles
Shipping Notes
Both models ship well in containers, with the Ioniq 5’s larger footprint requiring careful planning in shared loads. Their modern battery platforms and fast‑charging capability make them attractive choices in a market where charging infrastructure is still expanding but improving rapidly.
Why They’re Popular
VinFast, based in neighboring Vietnam, is rapidly expanding across ASEAN. Cambodian buyers often see VinFast as a regional alternative to Chinese and Western brands, with competitive specs and strong warranty coverage.
Approximate Global Pricing & Specs (may vary in Cambodia):
VF8:
Starting from: about $47,000–$53,000 in the U.S. depending on trim
Battery: approximately 87.7 kWh
Range: roughly 235–256 miles (378–412 km) EPA
Power: about 349 hp with dual‑motor AWD
VF9:
Starting from: low $80,000s for higher trims
Battery: around 123 kWh
Range: roughly 291–330 miles (468–531 km) EPA
Power: about 402 hp, three‑row SUV format
Shipping Notes
The VF8 fits standard container configurations, while the larger VF9 requires more precise load planning. Given their size and value, these models are best suited to dedicated or carefully curated shared loads where space can be optimized while maintaining safe clearances.
Ready to tap into Cambodia's booming EV and car import market? Use the button below to access West Coast Shipping's instant rate calculator and see real‑time costs for shipping vehicles from California, Florida, or New Jersey to Sihanoukville.
Whether you are moving a single Tesla Model 3, consolidating a batch of BYD Atto 3s, or testing demand with a mixed load of Leafs and Ioniq 5s, West Coast Shipping’s Cambodia shipping services combine proven container‑loading methods, EV‑ready facilities, and on‑the‑ground partnerships to keep your pipeline moving.
For additional background on methods and planning, explore the complete guide to EV shipping: cost, methods & safety and the international car shipping process overview before you book your next shipment.