Cambodia aims to export over 1 mln tons of rice in 2026

Cambodia expects its rice exports to exceed 1 million mt in 2026, driven by market diversification, government financial support and strong demand from China, Europe and the Philippines. This was stated by Cambodia Rice Federation President Oknha Lay Chhun Hour (Andy) in comments to Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights.

According to Chhun Hour, Cambodia exported nearly 470,000 mt of rice during January-April 2026, up 66% year over year. He noted that the country is now close to achieving the government’s long-standing target of exporting 1 million mt of rice, first announced in 2010.

China, the EU and regional Asian markets remain the main destinations for Cambodian rice exports. The Cambodia Rice Federation is also working to expand shipments to new markets in the Middle East, West Africa, Oceania and the United States. Strong demand continues for premium fragrant rice varieties such as SKO, SRO and Jasmine rice, while China and the Philippines are actively importing OM 5451 rice.

Chhun Hour said the Cambodian government has introduced emergency financing programs to support farmers and rice millers after paddy prices declined earlier this year. Authorities are also working to reduce electricity and logistics costs in order to improve the competitiveness of Cambodian rice against supplies from Thailand, Vietnam and India.

At the same time, the Cambodia Rice Federation expects rice export prices to increase by 5%-10% over the next three months due to rising freight, insurance and fertilizer costs linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Additional risks for the market include the potential impact of El Niño and reduced planted areas caused by higher production costs.