Cambodia’s rice sector continued to show strong international performance in the first half of 2026, with the country exporting more than 630,000 tonnes of milled rice to global markets and earning over USD 367 million in revenue.
According to a report from the Cambodia Rice Federation, Cambodia exported 630,319 tonnes of milled rice between January and June 2026. The rice was shipped to 64 international markets through 60 exporting companies, reflecting the country’s growing presence in the global rice trade.
The figures underline the steady demand for Cambodian rice, particularly fragrant rice, which remains one of the country’s strongest agricultural export products. Cambodia has built a solid reputation for quality rice over the years, especially among buyers in Europe, China, ASEAN and other international markets.
Europe remained one of the leading destinations for Cambodian milled rice during the first six months of the year. Exports to 32 European countries reached 179,828 tonnes, generating USD 121.73 million in revenue. This reflects the continued trust European consumers and importers place in Cambodian rice, especially premium fragrant varieties.
China, Hong Kong and Macau also remained important markets. Cambodia exported 170,483 tonnes of milled rice to these destinations, valued at USD 99.67 million. China has long been a major buyer of Cambodian agricultural products, and rice remains a key part of that trade relationship.
ASEAN markets also played a major role in Cambodia’s rice export performance. Five ASEAN member states imported 228,780 tonnes of Cambodian milled rice in the first half of 2026, worth USD 98.90 million. This strong regional demand highlights Cambodia’s position as a reliable rice supplier within Southeast Asia.
Beyond Europe, China and ASEAN, Cambodia exported another 51,228 tonnes of milled rice to 24 other markets. These included countries in Africa, the Middle East, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. These shipments generated USD 46.80 million, showing that Cambodian rice is gradually reaching a more diverse customer base worldwide.
Fragrant rice remained the dominant export variety, accounting for 59.81 per cent of Cambodia’s total milled rice exports. This is significant because fragrant rice generally attracts stronger demand in premium markets and helps Cambodia maintain a competitive position based on quality rather than volume alone.
Long-grain white rice made up 22.58 per cent of total exports, while broken rice of all grades accounted for 14.35 per cent. Parboiled rice represented 1.82 per cent, organic rice accounted for 1.24 per cent, and other rice varieties made up 0.20 per cent.
The continued strength of fragrant rice exports is particularly important for Cambodian farmers, millers and exporters. It shows that Cambodia’s rice industry is not only serving mass markets but also competing in higher-value segments where quality, aroma and consistency matter.
In addition to milled rice, Cambodia also exported a large volume of wet paddy rice during the same period. From January to June 2026, the country exported 3,176,561 tonnes of wet paddy rice, with an estimated export value of USD 713.42 million.
This means Cambodia’s combined rice and paddy exports continue to play a vital role in supporting the national economy, rural livelihoods and the agriculture sector. Rice remains one of Cambodia’s most important agricultural products, providing income for farmers, jobs in milling and logistics, and foreign exchange earnings for the country.
The first-half performance also points to the importance of continued investment in rice processing, storage, logistics, branding and market access. As global competition remains strong, Cambodia’s ability to maintain quality and expand into new markets will be central to sustaining export growth.
For Cambodia, rice is more than a commodity. It is closely linked to rural development, food security and national identity. The latest export figures show that Cambodian rice continues to earn recognition internationally while contributing meaningfully to the country’s economic progress.
With more than 630,000 tonnes of milled rice exported in just six months, Cambodia enters the second half of 2026 with positive momentum. If demand remains steady across Europe, China, ASEAN and emerging markets, the country’s rice sector could continue to deliver strong results for farmers, exporters and the wider economy.
