Khmer Times

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) have greatly boosted Cambodia’s milled rice exports to China, according to Lay Chhun Hour, President of the Cambodia Rice Federation.

Cambodia exported 231,125 tonnes of milled rice to China last year, a year-on-year increase of 96%. The Southeast Asian country earned $138.36 million from exporting the commodity to China last year, an increase of 83%.

He told Xinhua in an interview that Cambodia has benefited greatly from the RCEP and the CCFTA, as well as from China’s rice quota for Cambodia.

Chhun Hour said the Chinese market has been an essential high-value destination for Cambodian rice, particularly premium fragrant varieties, providing substantial revenue and growth opportunities for the rice sector.

“Among all the 75 destination countries and regions that we have exported our milled rice to, China ranks number one,” he said.

China-ASEAN Studies Center of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science deputy director Thong Mengdavid said Cambodia has benefited from preferential access under the RCEP and CCFTA, increased Chinese demand for imported rice, and growing confidence in Cambodian rice quality.

“China’s emphasis on food security and diversification of import sources benefits Cambodia, especially for fragrant and premium varieties,” he told Xinhua. “The outlook remains positive and is expected to see more growth if Cambodia can maintain quality standards, ensure a consistent supply, and manage logistics and price competitiveness,” he said. Xinhua

Published Date: January 13, 2026