Chea Vanyuth / Khmer Times

Synopsis: Industry reports show, premium varieties dominate the export ledger, highlighting Cambodia’s strategic pivot towards high-value agricultural branding.

Cambodia’s rice sector generated more than $900 million in export revenue during the first five months of 2026, driven by strong shipments of both milled rice and paddy rice, according to the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF).

According to the CRF data released Friday, the country shipped 568,912 tonnes of milled rice to international destinations, up 65 percent from 344,199 tonnes in the same period last year.

The commodity exports generated $327 million, up 30 percent compared to the $252.3 million earned during the same period last year, stated the report.

Breaking down, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc is the Kingdom’s biggest market with 208,593 tonnes worth $87 million, 162,125 tonnes to China worth $94 million, and 154,254 tonnes to the European Union market worth $105 million.

The country also exported 43,940 tonnes worth of $40 million to other destinations in Africa and the Middle East, stated the report.

According to industry reports, premium varieties dominate the export ledger, highlighting Cambodia’s strategic pivot toward high-value agricultural branding.

CRF stated fragrant rice accounted for nearly 60 percent of the total milled rice, following by white rice and broken rice varieties with 22 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, Cambodia exported some 2.75 million tonnes of paddy rice to Vietnam, worth 591 million.

Following the strong performance, the CRF expressed confidence that Cambodia remains on track to achieve its long-term goal of exporting one million tonnes of milled rice annually.

Lun Yeng, Secretary-General of the Cambodia Rice Federation, attributed the strong start to the year to timely government support for the sector.

“The government’s decision to provide emergency financial packages to local rice mills enabled millers to purchase paddy directly from farmers during the peak harvest season,” he told Khmer Times.

CRF officials also highlighted the sector’s efforts to diversify export destinations beyond its traditional markets.

Exporters are breaking into across Africa, the Middle East, and individual island nations. This diversification has helped shield local millers from shifting economic import quotas in larger regions like Europe and China.

Published Date: June 7, 2026