- Fragrant rice leads export basket
- EU, ASEAN, China remained key markets
Cambodia’s milled rice exports recorded strong growth during January-August 2026, reaching 0.792 million tonnes (mnt), up 67.5% from 0.473 mnt during the same period last year. Export earnings also increased, although at a slower pace than volumes, rising 33% y-o-y to $464 million from $348 million in the corresponding period of 2025. The growth reflects stronger international demand, ample domestic rice stocks, and improved coordination across the country’s rice supply chain.
EU, ASEAN, China remain key destinations
Cambodian rice continued to find strong demand across its major export markets. The European Union was the largest destination during January-August, importing 0.232 mnt, equivalent to 29.3% of total milled rice exports. China and its autonomous regions purchased 0.178 mnt, accounting for 22.4% of total exports. Meanwhile, five ASEAN member states received 0.315 mnt, making Southeast Asia an important outlet for Cambodian rice. The remaining 0.067 mnt was shipped to 25 destinations across Africa, the Middle East and other markets, highlighting the increasingly diversified destination base for Cambodian rice. A total of 61 companies exported Cambodian milled rice to 66 countries and regions during the period.
Fragrant rice leads export basket
Fragrant rice remained the dominant variety in Cambodia’s export mix, accounting for nearly 58% of total milled rice shipments during the period. Long-grain white rice represented 24.4%, while broken rice accounted for nearly 14.3%. The composition indicates continued demand for Cambodia’s higher-value fragrant varieties alongside conventional white and broken rice.
Paddy exports, financing remain key
Cambodia also exported 3.35 mnt of paddy rice to Vietnam, earning $753 million in the first eight months of 2026. Meanwhile, the sector requires around $600 million in financing, with the state-backed Agricultural and Rural Development Bank pledging $200 million. Continued funding, ample stocks, and strong overseas demand are expected to support Cambodia’s push toward the 1million tonne milled rice export target.
Outlook
Cambodia’s rice export outlook remains firm for the remainder of 2026, with the country well positioned to achieve its 1 mnt milled rice export target. Strong demand from the EU, ASEAN and China, coupled with ample domestic rice stocks, is expected to sustain shipment momentum. Continued government support, improved supply-chain coordination and additional financing for rice mills could further strengthen export capacity. Cambodia is likely to cross the 1 mnt milestone if the current pace of exports is maintained.
Leave a Reply