Cambodia Purchases Over 500,000 Tons of Key Commodities from Vietnam: Hailed as a ‘Lifeline’ for Neighboring Agricultural Exports, Vietnam Secures Over $700 Million in Revenue

According to preliminary data from the General Department of Customs, in September 2025, Vietnam exported over 161,000 tons of fertilizers, valued at more than $79 million, marking a 20.9% decrease in volume and a 15.4% decline in value compared to August.

In the first nine months of 2025, fertilizer exports reached over 1.6 million tons, worth more than $703 million, reflecting a 28.8% increase in volume and a 32.5% rise in value compared to the same period in 2024.

The average export price stood at $422 per ton, a 3% increase from the previous year.

In terms of markets, Cambodia was the largest importer of Vietnamese fertilizers, with over 557,000 tons valued at more than $227 million, representing a 33% increase in volume and a 31% rise in value compared to the same period last year. The average export price was $408 per ton, a 2% decrease year-on-year.

South Korea ranked second, importing over 110,806 tons valued at $45.77 million, a 21% decrease in volume and a 24% decline in value compared to the same period. The average price saw a slight 1% increase to $413 per ton.

Malaysia followed with 94,971 tons, worth $39.92 million, marking a 3.2% increase in volume and a 13.8% rise in value compared to the same period last year. The average price was $420.3 per ton, a 10% increase from 2024.

Vietnam’s fertilizer production capacity is approximately 8 million tons annually, while domestic demand is estimated at over 11 million tons, including both inorganic and organic fertilizers. The country faces an imbalance in production structure, leading to surpluses in some fertilizer types and shortages in others.

Cambodia’s fertilizer market is a key focus for Vietnamese companies, with significant demand for urea, DAP, and NPK fertilizers. Annual demand is estimated at 380,000–410,000 tons for urea, 250,000–280,000 tons for DAP, and 260,000–300,000 tons for NPK. Cambodia is a major export market for Vietnamese fertilizers due to similar agricultural conditions and favorable geographic proximity.

In 2024, Cambodia imported 592,121 tons of fertilizers from Vietnam, a 1.4% increase from 2023. The export value reached $240.82 million, with an average price of $406.7 per ton, a 3.6% decrease from 2023.

The Cambodian market features products from several major fertilizer companies, including Binh Dien Fertilizer Joint Stock Company, Five-Star International Fertilizer Company, Phu My Fertilizer Company, and An Giang Plant Protection Company.

The World Fertilizer Association (IFA) forecasts a 6% increase in urea consumption from 2024 to 2028. The use of chemical and organic fertilizers is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.5–6.7% from 2024 to 2029.

In 2025, global fertilizer prices are projected to rise by 3–5%, potentially impacting domestic prices, especially in regions heavily reliant on imports. Fertilizer exports are expected to recover, particularly in traditional markets like Cambodia and South Korea.