Pov Sothak / Khmer Times

Rising export demand and increased government market interventions are set to shield Cambodian farmers from seasonal price drops, with favourable wet-season paddy prices projected to hold steady through December.

The outlook was discussed at a meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Working Group on Agricultural Value Chain Coordination, chaired by Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Kong Chanvasna, on Tuesday at ministry.

The working group assessed that wet-season rice harvesting, which runs from mid-October through December 2026, is expected to provide farmers with continued opportunities to earn profits while rice prices remain relatively stable.

The assessment comes as Cambodia expands its rice exports to the Philippines, an emerging market for Cambodian rice that could create additional demand for domestic paddy and support the country’s agricultural value chain.

On October 3, Cambodian rice exporter Signature Rice began shipping 5,000 tons of rice directly to the Philippines by vessel from Kampot Port, marking the first rice export shipment by vessel from the port. The company planned to ship 60,000 tonnes to the Philippine market during the fourth quarter of 2026, according to Agence Kampuchea Presse.

The development offers a practical example of how market diversification and improved logistics could help strengthen Cambodia’s rice export capacity. Direct bulk shipments allow larger quantities to be transported in a single delivery, potentially improving transport efficiency and the competitiveness of Cambodian rice in overseas markets.

According to the Cambodia Rice Federation, Cambodia exported 122,102 tonnes of milled rice to the Philippines during the first eight months of 2026, with full-year exports projected at approximately 209,446 tonnes. The growing trade relationship provides an additional market opportunity for Cambodian rice producers, millers and exporters.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Kong thanked relevant ministries and institutions, the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank, municipal and provincial administrations, and the Cambodia Rice Federation for their continued cooperation in supporting the agricultural sector.

He also expressed appreciation to rice millers for purchasing paddy from farmers at favorable prices during the August-September harvest period.

Kong highlighted the opening of the Philippine market to Cambodian rice earlier in 2026, saying increased demand for paddy used in export-oriented rice milling had contributed to higher domestic paddy prices, helping farmers generate income and improve their household livelihoods.

However, maintaining favourable prices will depend on continued market demand, effective coordination among stakeholders and the capacity of the rice sector to process and deliver products to buyers.

The working group therefore called for continued monitoring of prices for key agricultural products and preparedness to request government intervention when necessary. The measures aim to maintain price stability, support farmers and producers, and prevent inflation that could affect consumers’ purchasing power.

The government’s approach reflects the challenge of balancing the interests of farmers, who need remunerative prices to cover production costs and earn profits, with those of consumers, who depend on affordable food prices.

For Cambodia’s rice industry, expanding export markets while maintaining stable domestic prices will remain important as the wet-season harvest progresses. Sustained export demand could help absorb domestic production, but effective market monitoring will be essential to ensure that benefits extend across the agricultural value chain.

The meeting forms part of the government’s fifth priority policy program, which seeks to monitor and assess production and prices of key agricultural commodities to support national food security and both producers and consumers.

Published Date: October 14, 2026