Cambodia’s Inland Dry Ports: A Competitive Advantage for Exporters

Introduction

As Cambodia cements its position as a key player in Southeast Asia’s trade network, logistics infrastructure is undergoing rapid transformation. One of the most significant developments in recent years is the rise of inland dry ports, strategically positioned to streamline the export process, reduce congestion at seaports, and boost overall supply chain efficiency.

Inland dry ports offer exporters a competitive advantage by facilitating faster customs clearance, improved cargo handling, and better access to hinterlands. With Cambodia’s trade ambitions aligned with regional connectivity plans such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), these inland ports are set to become the cornerstone of smarter trade logistics.

What Are Inland Dry Ports?

Inland dry ports are logistics centers located away from traditional seaports, equipped with facilities such as customs clearance, container depots, warehouses, and intermodal transport hubs. They act as satellite extensions of maritime ports, enabling importers and exporters to process cargo efficiently without traveling to congested coastal ports.

In Cambodia, inland ports are crucial due to:

• Overreliance on Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS)

• Limited seaport capacity relative to export volumes

• The need for logistics hubs in industrial zones like Phnom Penh, Kandal, and Kampong Speu

Major Inland Dry Ports in Cambodia

1. Phnom Penh Logistics Complex (PPLC)

Located within the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone (PPSEZ), this is Cambodia’s flagship dry port, offering bonded warehousing, customs inspection, and container storage.

• Operated by: Phnom Penh SEZ Plc.

• Strategic advantage: Rail connectivity to Sihanoukville port

• Role: Key export node for garments, electronics, and agricultural products

Phnom Penh SEZ – PPLC

2. LCH Logistics Inland Container Depot

Situated along National Road 4, this facility offers container loading, customs, and multimodal services.

• Benefit: Close proximity to Phnom Penh International Airport

• Commonly used by: Exporters of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and perishables

3. YCH Logistics Hub (Under Development)

As part of Cambodia’s logistics master plan with Singapore-based YCH Group, this smart logistics hub in Phnom Penh Logistics Park will provide high-tech warehousing, automated systems, and cross-border trade services.

YCH Group’s ASEAN Smart Logistics Network

Competitive Advantages for Exporters

Faster Customs Clearance

With customs officers stationed directly at inland ports, businesses can process export declarations and inspections locally—saving time and reducing clearance bottlenecks at seaports.

According to the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, customs procedures are a major cause of delays in emerging economies. Inland ports significantly reduce that friction.

Reduced Transport Time and Costs

Exporters can deliver goods to the nearest inland port instead of making long-haul trips to the coast. For factories based in Kampong Cham, Kandal, or Bavet, this results in lower fuel expenses and faster dispatch.

Integrated Supply Chains

Inland ports provide warehousing, packaging, cold storage, and freight forwarding under one roof—simplifying the logistics chain for exporters.

Learn more: Exporting Made Easy: Cambodia’s Freight Forwarding Landscape

Rail and Road Connectivity

Cambodia’s inland ports are often linked by rail to Sihanoukville port and by road to Thailand and Vietnam via border checkpoints like Poipet and Bavet. This allows:

• Multimodal shipping

• Seamless cross-border trade

• Access to larger ASEAN markets

Government Support and Future Plans

The Cambodian government has recognized the value of inland ports in its National Logistics Master Plan and is actively supporting development through:

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

• Customs modernization and digitalization

• Infrastructure upgrades (e.g., dry port rail links and bonded zones)

Cambodia’s recent RCEP integration further amplifies the relevance of inland logistics centers, ensuring that local exporters can meet growing regional demand efficiently.

RCEP and Its Impact on Cambodia’s Export Markets

Industries Benefiting Most

Garments and Textiles

The garment sector—Cambodia’s largest export industry—benefits immensely from dry ports, especially in SEZs like Phnom Penh and Kampong Speu.

Agriculture and Agro-Processing

Exporters of rice, cassava, cashews, and mangoes can use inland ports to access cold storage and customs pre-clearance, ensuring fresh delivery to regional buyers.

Electronics and Light Manufacturing

With global companies entering Cambodia’s tech assembly space, dry ports offer a secure, controlled environment for high-value exports.

How Cambodia-Agent.com Supports Exporters

At Cambodia-Agent.com, we specialize in logistics coordination, supplier matchmaking, and export documentation support. Our agent network is deeply familiar with Cambodia’s inland port ecosystem and can help you:

• Choose the right dry port based on your cargo and location

• Arrange customs clearance and export licenses

• Book reliable freight services at competitive rates

• Monitor cargo movement with real-time updates

Logistics Coordination Through Cambodia-Based Agent Networks

Conclusion

As Cambodia pushes to modernize its trade infrastructure, inland dry ports are becoming essential logistics nodes for exporters. These facilities reduce transport costs, cut down clearance time, and offer integrated supply chain solutions—giving Cambodian exporters the tools they need to compete globally.

For exporters, the question is no longer whether to use inland ports—but how soon you can integrate them into your operations.

Need help navigating Cambodia’s export ecosystem? Contact a logistics expert at Cambodia-Agent.com and let’s simplify your supply chain today.