Cambodia exports over 1 mln tons of rice for the first time as shipments to the Philippines surge

Cambodia has set a historic rice export record, surpassing 1 mln tons in a single year for the first time. According to the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, milled rice exports reached 1.01 mln tons as of October 19, 2026. By comparison, the country exported around 900 thsd tons during the whole of 2025. Cambodia has therefore exceeded last year’s annual export volume before the end of October, strengthening its position in the regional rice market.

Achieving this result marks an important milestone for Cambodia’s rice industry, which has been seeking to reach the one-million-ton milestone for more than a decade. Back in 2010, the Cambodian government set a target of increasing annual milled rice exports to 1 mln tons by 2015. However, structural challenges, underdeveloped logistics and limited access to international markets prevented the country from reaching this goal for many years. It was only in 2026 that Cambodia finally achieved the target.

One of the main drivers of this record growth was the expansion of shipments to the Philippines, which has become one of the key buyers of Cambodian rice. According to Agriculture Ministry spokesperson Khim Finan, exports to the Philippine market previously amounted to only around 3 thsd tons, but surged to 200 thsd tons in 2026. As a result, the Philippines accounted for approximately 20% of Cambodia’s total rice exports. The promotion of Cambodian products in international markets, financial support for local rice mills and the development of agricultural cooperatives also played important roles.

To maintain strong export growth, Cambodia plans to expand its paddy rice storage capacity and modernize its processing infrastructure. Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) President Lay Chhun Hour said that one of the industry’s main priorities is to develop additional storage facilities to accumulate raw paddy during the peak harvest season. This would allow rice mills to build up paddy stocks and maintain stable milled rice production even during periods of reduced supply in the domestic market.

Meanwhile, the Cambodia Rice Federation intends to continue expanding export destinations and strengthening private sector participation in the industry’s development. The main objective is not only to maintain annual shipments above 1 mln tons but also to establish Cambodia as one of Southeast Asia’s leading rice exporters. Further export growth will depend on the development of storage and processing infrastructure, the financial capacity of enterprises and the country’s ability to ensure stable shipments to new export markets.

Tags: Philippines, rice, Cambodia