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Exports

Cambodia's Rice Sector Sees Significant Growth and Global Expansion

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Cambodia's rice production has transformed into a strategic crop for food and nutritional security, with the government recognizing it as a high-potential export commodity. Speaking at the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul highlighted the country's achievements in promoting rice production and export to global markets. Through joint efforts between the CRF, development partners, and stakeholders, Cambodia has transitioned into a country with a significant rice surplus.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) was officially established on August 8, 2014, and has been recognized by the government as the sole partner for policy dialogue and the official representative of Cambodia's rice industry on the international stage.
  • In 2024, Cambodia exported more than 650,000 tons of rice to 75 countries, with a total earnings of $1.98716 billion from rice exports.
  • The CRF has actively supported the implementation of policies to promote rice production and export to global markets, leading to the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to export 500,000 tonnes of rice to China.
  • Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul emphasized the importance of collaboration between CRF, development partners, and stakeholders to further advance Cambodia's rice sector.
  • Key recommendations made by the minister include attracting more investment, conducting lawful and ethical business, promoting branding and intellectual property, and enhancing cooperation to improve quality and efficiency.
  • Sun Chanthol, first vice-president of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, highlighted the rice sector's vital role in food security and the national economy, mentioning the growth of modern rice milling facilities from fewer than 10 to over 80.
  • The Techo Funan Canal Project, once completed, will accelerate the movement of goods, including rice, from Cambodia to international markets, enhancing the country's logistics system.
  • Data released by the CRF on June 4 showed that from January to May 2025, Cambodia earned a total of $993.24 million from rice exports, a 6.78% increase over last year.

Statistics:

  • $993.24 million: Total earnings from rice exports from January to May 2025
  • 6.78%: Increase in rice export earnings from January to May 2025 compared to the same period in 2024
  • 344,199 tonnes: Volume of milled rice exported to 63 countries/territories from January to May 2025
  • $252.3 million: Revenue generated from milled rice exports from January to May 2025
  • 3,102,973 tonnes: Volume of paddy rice exported to neighboring countries from January to May 2025
  • $740.94 million: Earnings from paddy rice exports from January to May 2025
  • $1.98716 billion: Total earnings from rice exports in 2024
  • 75 countries: Number of countries receiving rice exports from Cambodia in 2024
  • 650,000 tons: Volume of rice exported to 75 countries in 2024

Sources:

  • "Cambodia rice production in 2024", Cambodia Rice Federation, 2024
  • Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul, speech at the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), June 16
  • Sun Chanthol, first vice-president of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, speech at the 10th anniversary celebrations of the CRF, June 16
  • Data released by the CRF on June 4, 2025

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