2 January 2026 - Daily Update - B2B Asia News

This is a B2B Asia News Daily Update for 2 January 2026, reviewing regional and global markets, and covering the daily business news you shouldn’t miss. 

Watch the video in English above.

• We start with a quick look at regional markets. Global equities kicked off 2026 on a positive note in thin holiday trading, with several Asian markets higher—while Japan and China remained closed for holidays, and Hong Kong stocks led gains in the region.
• Now, zooming in on Cambodia’s market—the Cambodia Securities Exchange Index rose 2.04 points, or 0.48%, to 425.10. Total trade activity picked up, with 141,155 shares changing hands, at a total value of 585.4 million riel—that’s roughly $145,800 US dollars.
• Shifting to the exchange rate, the Khmer riel to USD was stable at 4,014 riel per US dollar, while the US Dollar Index was slightly up to 97.95.
• Turning to global commodities
  Benchmark crude oil edged higher to start the year. Brent crude traded around $61.27 per barrel, while West Texas Intermideat crude hovered near $57.84. 
  Gold also extended its rally into the new year, with spot gold rising to around $4,372 per ounce, supported by expectations of future rate cuts and continued safe-haven demand.
• Moving on now to other business-related news,
  - The Government of Cambodia has finalised its 2026 fiscal framework, authorising over 30.28 trillion riels (about $7.5 billion) in state revenue for the year, emphasising fiscal discipline and revenue mobilisation strategies heading into 2026.
  - In efforts to deepen domestic capital markets, authorities have approved issuing approximately $528 million in government bonds this year to support investment and financing needs.
  - Cambodia’s new minimum wage for the garment, footwear, and travel goods sectors has taken effect from 1 January 2026, set at $210 per month, impacting one of the nation’s largest employment sectors.
  - On the technology front, the rollout of 5G mobile services has officially begun—with major operators enabling 5G accessibility nationwide, marking an important milestone for connectivity and digital enterprise.
  - In export developments, Cambodia’s raw cashew export earnings reached around $1.5 billion in 2025, up significantly year-on-year, reinforcing the strength of the country’s agricultural export base.

Watch the 2 January 2026 Daily Update in Khmer below: