Cambodia’s corn production and exports to recover in 2026/27

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Cambodia’s corn production is forecast to recover to 1.1 million tonnes in the 2026/27 marketing year after falling to 900,000 tonnes in the previous season. The recovery is expected to be driven by higher corn prices, which have improved the crop’s profitability, as well as the normalization of hybrid seed supplies.

Corn production declined by 10% in 2025/26 due to rising fertilizer and fuel costs, disruptions in hybrid seed deliveries, and changes in planting decisions. Cambodian farmers traditionally source much of their hybrid corn seed from Thailand, but border tensions between the two countries disrupted the timely supply of planting material.

USDA expects the country’s corn planted area to increase to 200,000 hectares in 2026/27, while the average yield is projected to reach 5.5 tonnes per hectare. Improved access to seed and better financial conditions for farmers are expected to support the recovery in production.

Domestic corn consumption is forecast at 700,000 tonnes in 2026/27, down 12.5% from the previous season. Feed manufacturers increased grain purchases in 2025/26 after exports to Thailand nearly came to a halt, resulting in surplus supplies on the domestic market.

Corn exports are projected to recover to 550,000 tonnes in 2026/27, compared with 300,000 tonnes a year earlier. Direct shipments to Vietnam are expected to play an increasingly important role, helping Cambodia diversify its export channels and reduce its dependence on the Thai market. However, farmers’ profitability will continue to depend on corn prices and logistics costs.

Tags: crop forecast, corn