CRF says rice exports to reach record high in 2025, despite falling global prices

CRF says rice exports to reach record high in 2025, despite falling global prices

Cambodia exported 801,643 tonnes of milled rice to international markets in the first 11 months, up 39 percent from the same period last year.

Cambodia expects to export more than 900,000 tonnes of rice for the first time in 2025, a new record, despite a significant drop in international rice prices, according to the Cambodia Rice Federation. This new record borders the ambitious target of 1 million tonnes set by the Cambodian Government.

Cambodia exported 801,643 tonnes of milled rice to international markets in the first 11 months of 2025, up 39 percent from 575,562 tonnes over the same period last year, read the CRF report.

The commodity exports earned approximately $526 million, up 27 percent from $413.9 million over the same period last year.

The figure is a good sign for Cambodia in achieving the target of 1 million tonnes of rice exports, said Lun Yeng, Secretary-General of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF).

Yeng credited the remarkable achievement to the government’s attention in promoting rice exports through emergency funds to rice millers and exporters, making them accessible to finances for collecting paddy rice in the harvest season.

Speaking with Khmer Times, Yeng said, “In 2025, Cambodia’s rice exports are expected to reach over 900,000 tonnes, due to local rice mills receiving additional capital from the government to purchase rice stocks and actively expand export markets to avoid congestion during the harvest.”

The current global market is highly competitive, especially for low-priced white rice, as many countries have increased production this year, including China, India, and countries that used to import a lot of rice, such as Indonesia and the Philippines.

“In response to concerns regarding the recent price decline, it is important to clarify that our rates are determined by the global market. Because we must remain competitive with international buyers, we cannot set prices above the current market rate,” Yeng added.

To further strengthen the industry, the government has encouraged relevant ministries and private-sector players to enhance cooperation and increase direct exports to international markets.

The government has intensified its commitment to promoting the rice sector through financial support, infrastructure development, and policies aimed at lowering production costs for farmers.

Cambodia has about 1.7 million farming families cultivating rice on more than 3.1 million hectares of land. By 2025, the combined wet and dry season rice output is expected to exceed 14 million tonnes of paddy rice.

Meanwhile, Cambodia earned $1,408 million from paddy rice export during the mentioned period.

Cambodia exports rice mostly to Europe, China, ASEAN countries, Africa, the Middle East, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand etc. Most of the paddy rice is exported to Vietnam.

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