Cambodia’s public debt exceeded $13bn in the first half of 2026, with the government maintaining what it described as a manageable debt position.

According to local media Cambonomist, the Cambodia Public Debt Bulletin released by the Ministry of Economy and Finance showed that around 95% of the outstanding debt was owed to external creditors.

During the first six months of the year, the Royal Government of Cambodia secured about  $460mn in new loans from various development partners and other lenders. The amount represented roughly 15% of the borrowing ceiling allowed under Cambodian law.

New borrowing increased by approximately 134% compared with the same period in 2025.

The government said the funds were raised to finance priority sectors and programmes designed to support sustainable long-term economic growth, while strengthening productivity and expanding the country’s production capacity.

At the same time, the government paid nearly $390mn towards debt servicing during the first half of 2026. This was about 31% higher than the amount paid during the corresponding period last year.

Despite the increase in both borrowing and debt repayments, the government’s debt position remained within the limits set under the country’s fiscal and public debt management framework.

The figures highlight the government’s continued use of external financing to support development priorities, while maintaining debt sustainability as economic growth and investment remain key policy objectives.