The first 10,000-tonne break-bulk shipment via Sihanoukville Autonomous Port is expected to expand transport options, reduce shipping costs and strengthen the competitiveness of Cambodian rice in the Philippines.

Meas Molika

Cambodia shipped 10,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines via the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, marking a milestone in rice trading through the waterway between the two countries.

According to the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry, the shipment using a break-bulk vessel was exported by Battambang province-based City Rice Import Export Co., Ltd which is one of the biggest rice manufacturers in the country, and Dilai Trading Co Pte. Ltd., an independent Singapore-based agriculture and food trading company.

Minister Dith Tina said the export to the Philippines on Wednesday via shipping signals a new beginning for the rice sector and paves the next level of waterway trading while boosting Cambodian rice competitiveness in the global market.

“This event marks a new beginning for Cambodia’s rice sector, as the use of break-bulk vessels boosts rice export capacity via waterways, complementing existing container shipments,” he said.

“The method enhances efficiency and the competitiveness of Cambodian rice in the international market, reduces shipping costs and transit times, and ensures a stable supply of high-quality rice to the Philippine market.”

Cambodia exported 122,102 tonnes of rice to the Philippines in the first eight months of 2026, accounting for over 15.4 percent of the total rice export of 792,212 tonnes in the period.

Orders for another 87,344 tonnes of rice have already been placed and are ready for delivery between September and December this year, the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) said, bringing the total projected volume of rice to the Philippines this year to approximately 209,446 tonnes.

“This represents a significant increase compared to previous years and is a major factor driving the forecast of one million tonnes in exports by 2026, surpassing the record 940,321 tonnes set in 2025,” Tina said.

City Rice Import Export said on its official Facebook page on Wednesday that large rice export through the waterways is not merely rice shipment but a testament to the company’s capability, perseverance, and commitment in bringing Cambodian products to the international market.

“Every step, every responsibility, and every effort of the team members have contributed to creating this achievement we are proud of,” the company said.

The use of break-bulk vessels is a significant step in expanding transportation options for Cambodian rice, it mentioned. Moreover, it will help reduce costs and transportation time [leading to] efficiency, and strengthen the competitiveness of Cambodian rice to the international market.

“This represents the building of long-term trust with international partners, the opening of doors to new markets, and a contribution to increasing value for farmers, producers, and the entire Cambodian rice value chain,” the company said.

The export was supported by the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank which provided financial support to the rice sector, including enabling businesses to expand their operations, organise supply chains, and effectively meet international demand.

Sixty-one companies in Cambodia export milled rice to 66 regions and countries by sea, CRF said.

Published Date: September 17, 2026