By: Phoeurng Phearak

PHNOM PENH – Cambodia’s rice exports have surpassed 1 million tonnes for the first time, breaking the previous annual record with more than two months remaining in 2026 and achieving a target the government set in 2015.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reported that Cambodia had exported 1,014,442 tonnes of rice as of October 19, exceeding the previous record of about 940,000 tonnes set in 2025.

Ministry spokesperson Khim Finan described the milestone as a historic achievement for the country and its agricultural sector.

The latest figures mark a sharp turnaround after a decade in which annual rice exports remained below 700,000 tonnes. Shipments stood at 538,000 tonnes in 2015, rising to 542,000 tonnes in 2016 and 636,000 tonnes in 2017 before easing to 626,000 tonnes in 2018.

Exports reached 620,000 tonnes in 2019 and 691,000 tonnes in 2020, then fell to 617,000 tonnes in 2021. They recovered gradually, reaching 637,000 tonnes in 2022, 656,000 tonnes in 2023 and about 646,000 tonnes in 2024.

During the first eight months of this year, Cambodia exported 792,000 tonnes of rice worth about $464 million through 61 companies to 66 international markets, according to the Cambodia Rice Federation.

The European Union was the largest destination by value, importing 232,000 tonnes worth $175 million. China and Hong Kong bought 178,000 tonnes worth $105 million, while five ASEAN countries imported 315,000 tonnes worth $123 million.

Another 25 markets, including countries in Africa and the Middle East, purchased 67,000 tonnes worth $60 million.

Cambodia’s expanding export market reflects years of efforts by the government and the rice industry to strengthen production, financing, storage and access to overseas buyers. However, farmers and millers continue to face high production costs, unpredictable weather and difficulties securing affordable credit.

Lay Chhun Huor, president of the Cambodia Rice Federation, recently predicted that Cambodia would reach the 1-million-tonne target after exports approached 800,000 tonnes in the first eight months of the year.

He said the target had remained a major ambition for the government and the rice industry despite years of challenges. Coordinated efforts by ministries, institutions and private companies had helped improve production capacity, financing, storage facilities and access to international markets.

Access to finance remains a particular concern, Huor said, because rice production carries substantial risks and many banks are reluctant to lend to the sector.

The timing of the harvest has also created uncertainty this year.

“Farmers would normally begin harvesting from late July, but this year the harvest has been delayed until late September,” Huor said.

Looking ahead, Huor expressed concern about the early 2027 dry-season rice crop, warning that farmers could face water shortages if supplies remain inadequate.

The government has also established a $200 million credit package to help rice mills purchase and store paddy rice. The scheme is intended to ease pressure on farmers to sell their harvest at low prices when supplies flood the market.

Water availability could become an even greater concern as the rainy season draws to a close. The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has urged authorities and the public to conserve water, with El Niño conditions expected to persist through February 2027.

Although Cambodia has achieved its long-standing export target, sustaining that growth will depend on the industry’s ability to manage rising costs, secure financing and protect production against increasingly uncertain water supplies.

Published Date: October 21, 2026