18 Sept 2025
Cambodia is poised to achieve a record-breaking year for rice exports, with shipments of milled rice projected to surpass 700,000 tonnes in 2025, according to the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF).
Between January and August, the Kingdom exported 472,803 tonnes of milled rice, up 14.7% year-on-year, generating $1.46 billion in revenue from both paddy and milled rice exports, CRF data shows. The strong momentum places the sector firmly on track to meet its ambitious target.
CRF President Lay Chhun Hour credited sustained demand from key international markets, supportive government policies, and improvements in farming practices and infrastructure. “For the remaining months, we expect exports to exceed last year’s level and cross 700,000 tonnes,” he said.
The government has played a central role by promoting Cambodian rice branding, providing technical assistance, and expanding direct access to high-value international markets. Cambodian premium varieties, such as Phka Romdoul (Malys Angkor), have already earned international acclaim, winning the World’s Best Rice Award multiple times, most recently in 2022.
Despite the sector’s achievements, CRF officials stressed the importance of stronger global marketing efforts. “Winning awards is valuable recognition, but we must step up promotion and actively participate in international exhibitions to attract more buyers,” a CRF representative said.
Cambodia’s milled rice is mainly exported to EU countries, China, ASEAN markets, Africa, and the Middle East. In parallel, border trade in paddy rice generated $1.11 billion from 4.84 million tonnes sold to neighboring countries during the same eight-month period.
Beyond rice, Cambodia’s agriculture sector is gaining traction in global markets. Two major agreements with Chinese companies were signed this month, paving the way for exports worth $65 million in cashew, fruit, and vegetables. One deal secures annual shipments of 20,000 tonnes of dried cashew and 5,000 tonnes of processed cashew to China, while another MoU focuses on boosting Cambodian fruit and vegetable exports to Henan province, valued at $30 million over two years.
Commerce Minister Cham Nimul welcomed the agreements, highlighting their role in strengthening Cambodia-China trade ties and diversifying export opportunities. She urged businesses to leverage regional trade pacts such as the RCEP and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement to expand their market reach.
Industry analysts say the new agreements, combined with record rice exports, signal Cambodia’s growing competitiveness in global agriculture. With further investment in processing, logistics, and quality standards, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a reliable supplier to fast-expanding international markets.