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Cambodia’s rice industry is experiencing a remarkable year of growth, with significant improvements in both export volume and revenue. According to a recent press release from the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), the country exported 801,643 tons of milled rice in the first 11 months of 2025, marking a 39% increase compared to the same period last year. Total revenue reached $526.47 million, a 27% rise from the $413.9 million recorded in 2024.
CRF reports that 65 domestic rice companies have successfully delivered products to 72 global markets, highlighting a substantial expansion in distribution networks and Cambodia’s growing presence in the international rice market. Among these markets, China remains a key contributor to the industry’s overall growth.
The surge in export volume is driven by steady demand across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, coupled with a product portfolio increasingly aligned with international consumer preferences. Fragrant rice, Cambodia’s flagship product, continues to dominate exports due to its consistent quality and competitiveness in the premium segment. Meanwhile, white rice and broken rice maintain strong consumption in price-sensitive markets. Although organic and parboiled rice represent a smaller share, they hold long-term growth potential as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability and quality standards.
According to Penn Sovicheat, Minister of Commerce and spokesperson, Cambodia’s participation in recent trade agreements has been pivotal in expanding its agricultural export markets. He emphasized the positive impact of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement, which provide tariff advantages for agricultural products entering China and other RCEP member countries. As a result, exports of rice, bananas, mangoes, longans, pepper, and durian have seen notable increases in both volume and trade value.
While strengthening its presence in traditional markets, Cambodia is also targeting new destinations, with the Philippines identified as a strategic priority. As one of the world’s largest rice importers, the Philippines currently relies heavily on supplies from Vietnam and Thailand.
Cambodia’s efforts to enter the Philippine market are seen as a strategic move to enhance competitiveness and diversify export outlets for its rice industry. Recently, Agriculture Minister Dith Tina met with a delegation from Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI), a Philippine state-owned enterprise, to discuss direct rice procurement from Cambodia. The meeting, initiated by Cambodia, included support from the Ministry in connecting FTI with CRF to finalize order terms and quality standards.
Minister Tina stated that if the Philippines establishes a direct rice procurement mechanism with Cambodia, it would not only open a major market but also benefit local farmers by enabling larger-scale paddy purchases by mills. He emphasized the mutual benefits of this partnership: the Philippines gains a stable, high-quality supply, while Cambodia boosts export value and strengthens its position in regional trade.
Amid intensifying regional competition, particularly from major exporters Vietnam and Thailand, market diversification and effective utilization of trade agreements are crucial for Cambodia to sustain its growth trajectory in the coming years.
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