Phnom Penh – Nearly $4 billion worth of agricultural products were exported from Cambodia during the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting a robust 30.4% increase in export volume compared to the same period in 2024, according to the General Directorate of Agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).
Between January and September 2025, the Kingdom shipped about 11.13 million tonnes of agricultural goods to 88 international markets, including 5.29 million tonnes of non-paddy and rice products, as reported by the National Phytosanitary Database System. The total export value, based on exporters’ invoices, reached $3.889 billion — comprising $2.379 billion from non-paddy and rice crops, $1.054 billion from paddy, and $455 million from rice.
Shift Toward Processed Exports
Despite the overall surge, exports of some fresh crops such as cassava and mango declined. The ministry attributed this to Cambodia’s growing processing capacity, which has allowed more value-added exports. Dried cassava exports increased by 57.62%, cassava flour by 83.49%, and dried mango by 27.54% year-on-year, underscoring the shift from raw to processed goods.
“The expansion of agricultural processing helps Cambodia enhance export value and stability,” the report highlighted. “Processed products such as cassava flour and dried fruits offer longer shelf life and higher income potential.”
Strong Policy and Market Drivers
In the first nine months of 2024, Cambodia exported 8.5 million tonnes of agricultural products worth over $3 billion. Major export items included paddy, rice, cassava, cashew nuts, bananas, mangoes, longan, and pepper.
Hong Vanak, an economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said on October 7 that the rise in exports reflects effective government strategies to expand crop cultivation and strengthen the agro-processing sector.
“What stands out is the rapid development of Cambodia’s processing capacity,” Vanak observed. “Exporting processed or value-added products helps the country earn more compared to raw produce.”
Outlook for 2025
The Ministry of Economy and Finance projects the agriculture sector to grow by 1.1% in 2025, with strong contributions from crop production and agro-processing. Increased domestic and foreign investment, public spending, and new free trade agreements are expected to sustain export momentum.
In 2024, total agricultural exports reached 11.7 million tonnes — up 39% from 2023 — with an estimated value of $4.8 billion, reaffirming agriculture’s pivotal role in Cambodia’s economic growth.
Also read, Global Rice Output Set to Hit Record High in 2025–26: FAO
