Cambodia may have a population of over 13 million people, but it still has a relatively undeveloped industrial sector.  Per capita income in Cambodia may be increasing, but it is still low compared to other countries in the same region.  Traditional products such as rice, fish, timber and garments are still Cambodia’s major exports, and there is a lack of infrastructure to support industrialisation, especially in the rural areas of the nation.  While more money may be entering into Cambodia due to a rise in the tourism and textile industries, the development of a sustainable steel industry in Cambodia may take some time.  Cambodia does however import steel on a large scale for some projects, and has developed relationships with other Asian nations that manufacture steel in vast quantities.

It is very understandable why Cambodia is struggling to regain its economic footing, as there has been 30 years of civil war and a culture of economic dependence through aid programs and such.  China is one of the countries who are keen to invest money into Cambodia, and help to develop the infrastructure that is so widely needed there.  Steel bridges have gone up all over the country in the early part of the 21st century, with most of the money coming from China (6 million dollars in donations in 2001 alone).  One very interesting new development in recent years is the announcement that Wuhan Steel, China’s fifth largest steel mill will contribute towards the exploration of iron ore in Cambodia’s remote northern Preah Vihear province.  Anshan Iron and Steel Group and Beijing’s Shougang Iron and Steel Group are also joining forces for this exploration project.

While a fully fledged steel industry that produces Blind Flange (Blindflansch) components is not yet available in Cambodia, there are a number of smaller steel work plants where people manufacture products.  In one small plant, a worker makes the steel blades of Japanese katana swords with steel that has been imported from France.  While there are small workshops scattered around Cambodia producing steel products, it is from steel that has been imported into the country and the goods themselves are often made for an overseas market as well.  However, Cambodians need Nut (Überwurfmuttern) and screw parts as much as anyone else and it is only a matter of time before some large steel processing plants are erected in the country.

Cambodia is becoming more industrial every year, and fuels its growing need for steel through importing from China, Thailand and other nations.  As more people begin to see Cambodia as a holiday destination, with a great climate and a beautiful countryside, more western influences will begin to open up the nation of Cambodia.  The use of steel is almost a prerequisite for a developing nation, and the production of steel on a large scale often follows.  Only the future can show exactly what is in store with regards to a Cambodian steel industry.