Phnom Penh, August 8, 2025 — Cambodia’s rice sector has continued its strong growth trajectory in 2025, with exports to international markets in the first seven months generating more than $1.2 billion — up nearly 15% compared to the same period last year. A total of 65 countries and territories purchased Cambodian rice during this period, according to the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF).
From January to July 2025, the Kingdom exported 420,572 tonnes of milled rice, earning $309.32 million. This marks a rise from the 379,546 tonnes worth $280 million exported in the same period of 2024.
Europe Remains Top Market
The CRF report, released on August 7, shows Europe as the leading destination, with 26 countries importing 200,772 tonnes worth $156.92 million. China and its autonomous regions followed with 105,621 tonnes ($62.13 million), while ASEAN member states accounted for 57,179 tonnes ($40.14 million). Other markets, spanning 32 countries, imported 57,000 tonnes valued at $50.13 million.
Fragrant rice continued to dominate exports, making up 77.65% of shipments. White rice represented 15.61%, parboiled rice 3.27%, organic rice 2.61%, and other varieties 0.86%.
Paddy Rice Exports Surge
Paddy rice exports also saw a substantial increase. In the first seven months of 2025, Cambodia shipped 3,873,078 tonnes worth $914.21 million, up from 2,711,179 tonnes worth $784.6 million in the same period last year.
Strong Government Backing
Song Saran, chairman of the CRF Board of Directors, credited the steady growth to consistent government support over the past decade, aimed at boosting the competitiveness of Cambodian rice in global markets.
“Tax exemptions, streamlined export services, financial support through the Rural and Agricultural Development Bank, improved irrigation systems, and a focus on crop cultivation and seed development have all created a solid foundation for the sector’s progress,” he said.
He noted that rice production had risen from just over 8 million tonnes a decade ago to more than 14 million tonnes in 2024, enabling Cambodia to secure food supplies while exporting over 650,000 tonnes of milled rice and more than 5 million tonnes of paddy last year.
In 2024, Cambodia exported 651,522 tonnes of milled rice, generating $491.19 million, alongside 5.18 million tonnes of paddy rice worth $1.496 billion.
With strong demand from both traditional and emerging markets, and continued investment in production and infrastructure, the Kingdom’s rice industry is on course for another record-breaking year.
