Hin Pisei

Industry experts say Cambodia is on track to achieve its long-standing ambition of exporting one million tonnes of rice this calendar year, more than a decade after the target was first announced. Exports have already surpassed 630,000 tonnes in the first six months of the year.

The Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) reported that Cambodia exported 630,319 tonnes of rice to international markets between January and June, an increase of 62.84% compared with the same period last year. Revenue reached $367.1 million, up 29.52%.

According to the CRF,60 companies managed exports to 64 countries and territories.

Among the destinations were: Five ASEAN member states, with 228,780 tonnes, at $98.90 million, 32 European nations, with 179,828 tonnes and $121.73 million, China and its Special Administrative Regions, at 170,483 tonnes and $99.67 million, and other markets at 51,228 tonnes and $46.8 million.

Fragrant rice made up more than half of the exports, at 59.81%, white rice made up 22.58%, parboiled rice was 1.82%, organic rice was 1.24%, broken rice was 14.35% and other varieties were just 0.2%.

In addition to milled rice, Cambodia exported 3,176,561 tonnes of paddy rice, generating approximately $713.42 million in revenue.

More than a decade ago, Cambodia set itself the target of exporting one million tonnes of rice annually. The goal had not been achieved as of the end of 2025.

CRF president Lay Chhun Hour, who is currently leading a federation delegation on a trade mission in the US, told The Post on July 9 that Cambodia’s rice exports have shown sustained momentum, particularly since 2025, when exports jumped by nearly 50% from 2024.

He explained that the federation continues to promote exports and expand markets, expressing confidence that exports would reach at least one million tonnes this year.

“We are optimistic that rice exports to international markets will reach our target of one million tonnes this year. The strong results we are seeing today are the outcome of our recent efforts to expand drying facilities, warehouse capacity and most importantly, develop new export markets,” he said.

Chhun Hour added that the EU remains Cambodia’s primary export market alongside China, while exports have also been growing rapidly in markets such as Malaysia and the Philippines.

According to him, over the past decade the government has placed a strong emphasis on investing in rice milling facilities to improve the industry’s competitiveness.

In 2025, Cambodia exported 940,321 tonnes of rice, an increase of 45.59% compared with 2024. Export earnings totalled $602.41 million, up 22.64%, according to the CRF.

Published Date: July 9, 2026