Cambodia eyes bigger China rice market

Cambodia eyes bigger China rice market

The strategic meeting enables both sides to plan joint initiatives to aggressively promote Cambodian rice.

Phnom Penh has sought to strengthen its rice trade with Beijing and explore new agricultural export opportunities following a meeting between the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) and representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Phnom Penh on Wednesday.

CRF President Lay Chhun Hour held a working discussion with Guan Wei, Commercial and Economic Counselor; Wei Liang, First Secretary; and Xu Peiqi, Economic and Commercial Attaché and Third Secretary of the Embassy of China to Cambodia.

The discussions focused on reviewing Cambodia’s previous rice export performance to China, assessing the Kingdom’s current production and supply capacity and strengthening cooperation to develop more efficient rice production and supply chains between the two countries.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to identify areas for further cooperation, particularly in promoting Cambodian rice in China through closer collaboration with the Chinese Embassy.

“The discussion aimed to review past progress of Cambodian rice exports to China, assess current supply capabilities and strengthen bilateral cooperation to enhance the rice production chain,” CRF said.

According to CRF figures, Cambodia exported 792,212 tonnes of milled rice in the first eight months of 2026, marking a significant 67.5% rise from the 472,803 tonnes shipped during the same period last year.

This export boom generated $464.1 million in revenue from January to August, representing a 33% increase from the $348 million recorded in the same period last year.

China remains one of Cambodia’s top three agricultural export markets alongside the European Union and ASEAN, driven heavily by demand for premium fragrant and Jasmine rice varieties.

The figures highlight the diversity of Cambodia’s rice export markets, with China remaining a key trading partner alongside European and regional markets.

China has long been an important destination for Cambodian milled rice under bilateral trade cooperation, providing market opportunities for local rice millers, exporters and farmers.

Cambodia’s rice sector has also been working to improve production quality, processing capacity and international market access to strengthen its competitiveness.

khmertimeskh