Rice exports up 83 percent in first two months

Rice exports up 83 percent in first two months

Cambodia exports to 51 international markets across Asia, Europe and other regions.

Cambodia exported 247,822 tonnes of milled rice in the first two months of 2026, up 83 percent compared to 135,074 tonnes in the same period last year, a report released by the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) showed yesterday.

The milled exports valued $142 million, a year-on-year increase of 34 percent compared to $106 million recorded in the same period last year.

According to the report, the shipment of the commodity has been carried out by 55 rice exporting companies to 51 international markets, reflecting demands for Cambodian rice across Asia, Europe and other regions.

Europe remained a major destination, with shipments of 64,134 tonnes worth $46 million, exporting 51,384 tonnes to China, valued at $36.31 million, the report said.

Five ASEAN countries imported a cumulative 112,142 tonnes, generating $41 million, while exports to 16 other markets, including Africa, the Middle East, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, amounted to 20,162 tonnes, worth $18 million.

Fragrant rice accounted for the largest share of exports at 59.16 percent, and broken rice at 27.68 percent, followed by long-grain white rice, parboiled rice and organic rice.

CRF Secretary-General Lun Yeng has recently attributed the rice export growth to the government’s attention in promoting rice exports through emergency funds to rice millers and exporters for collecting paddy rice in the harvest season.

Speaking to Khmer Times, Yeng said, “The government has made remarkable efforts in promoting rice exports by particularly providing emergency funds to millers and exporters, ensuring them that they have the financial funds to purchase paddy rice during the harvest season.”

Meanwhile, Cambodia exported 873,880 tonnes of paddy rice, mostly to Vietnam, with $196 million, CRF stated in the report.

Rice remains one of Cambodia’s key agricultural exports and a major source of income for rural communities and the national economy.

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

The government has encouraged relevant ministries and CRF players to enhance cooperation and increase direct exports to international markets.

Last year, the Kingdom exported 940,321 tonnes of milled rice to 75 international markets, generating $602 million in revenue.

khmertimeskh