Chea Vanyuth / Khmer Times

Synopsis: Positive outlook follows an exceptional performance in the first five months of the year, driven by soaring global demand and robust market diversification.

The Cambodian Rice Federation (CRF) has expressed strong optimism that the country will successfully reach its historic milestone of exporting one million tonnes of milled rice by the end of 2026.

The positive outlook follows an exceptional performance in the first five months of the year, driven by soaring global demand and robust market diversification.

According to the latest data released by the CRF, Cambodia exported 568,912 tonnes of milled rice between January and May 2026, generating a substantial $327m in revenue.

Additionally, Cambodia recorded 2.75m tonnes of paddy rice exports through cross-border trade, pulling in an extra $591.41m in revenue.

This represents a massive 65 per cent surge in volume compared to the 344,199 tonnes exported during the same period last year, signalling a rapid acceleration towards the Kingdom’s long-term export goals.

To ensure the one-million-tonne threshold is securely met by the end of December, the CRF has outlined a two-pronged strategy focused on aggressive promotion in existing hubs alongside the exploration of emerging global markets, its president Lay Chhun Hour said.

“The sector’s efforts to diversify export destinations have helped it in a big way,” Chhun Hour told Khmer Times yesterday.

CRF president attributed this year’s growth to timely government intervention, citing that emergency financial packages provided to local rice mills earlier in the season enabled millers to purchase paddy directly from farmers during peak harvest times, securing a consistent supply chain for international distribution.

The CRF will continue coordinating with the Ministry of Agriculture, local cooperatives and international partners to support farmers, improve infrastructure and promote Cambodian rice in target markets through trade missions and marketing campaigns.

“Ongoing investments in modern milling technology and traceability systems are reducing post-harvest losses and increasing the share of premium-grade rice available for export,” he said.

CRF continues to strengthen its existing markets and looks to explore networks and break into new frontiers in Africa and the Middle East, which will help the country reach the one-million-tonne target by 2026.

Published Date: June 18, 2026