By: Chhum Chantha

PHNON PENH — Cambodia will export 60,000 tons of milled rice to the Philippines by the end of 2026, marking the first export of this kind and the beginning of waterway transport from the Kampot Port to the Philippines. 

On Oct. 3, Signature Rice, which is a Cambodian rice export company, announced that 15,000 tons of rice will be shipped in October, and 45,000 tons in November and December. 

“The rice export through the direct waterway route between Cambodia and the Philippines allows the rice exporters to export a great amount on a large ship instead of shipment in containers,” the rice company said in a press release. “This transport helps facilitate exports in huge amounts, and makes it easier for purchasers to receive the rice in the demanded amounts within one shipment.” 

This will therefore enhance the competitiveness of Cambodia for milled rice on the global market, contributing to the national goal of exporting one million tons a year, Signature Rice said in the press release.

Cambodia exported a total of 122,102 tons of milled rice to the Philippines from January to August 2026, with the possibility of reaching 209,446 tons by the end of 2026, according to the Cambodia Rice Federation. 

Signature Rice is aiming to export an additional 100,000 tons in 2027, and is ready to strengthen its partnership for a long-term supply to the Philippines as this country is a big regional market whose demand for rice has been 5.5 million tons in 2026, the press release read.  

Signature Rice, which is a member of the Cambodian business Heritage Group, has been exporting rice since 2009 until today to 36 countries on four continents. 

The company applies the rice field-to-port supply chain management, working with the farmer communities through agricultural contracts in Preah Vihear, Kampong Thom, Battambang, Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey and other provinces. This approach helps Signature Rice ensure the original sources, quantity and quality of the rice to the international markets, the press release read. 

The company also complies with the zero-waste principle, and has received the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies Certificate, becoming Cambodia’s first Green Rice Mill. 

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Meng Seavmey for Cambodianess. 

Published Date: October 5, 2026