Cambodia’s Rice Exports Pass 1 Million Tonnes for the First Time
Cambodia exported 1.01 million tonnes of milled rice between 1 January and 19 October 2026, the first time the Kingdom has passed the 1-million-tonne mark and already more than in the whole of 2025.
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Cambodia has exported more than 1 million tonnes of milled rice in a single year for the first time. Figures released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on 20 October 2026 show exports of 1.01 million tonnes between 1 January and 19 October.
Key points
- Cambodia exported 1.01 million tonnes of milled rice from 1 January to 19 October 2026, a national record.
- That is already more than the roughly 940,000 tonnes exported in the whole of 2025.
- Reaching 1 million tonnes fulfils a national target first set in 2010.
- Premium fragrant rice and white rice lead shipments to ASEAN, the European Union and China.
A record with two months to spare
The total already exceeds the roughly 940,000 tonnes the Kingdom exported in the whole of 2025, with more than two months of the year still to go. It also fulfils a national goal of exporting 1 million tonnes of milled rice that was set in 2010.
H.E. Khim Finan, Undersecretary of State and spokesperson of the ministry, called the milestone a major achievement for the nation and for the agricultural sector, saying the Kingdom has “officially broken the historical record for rice exports.”
Fragrant rice leads the way
According to the Cambodia Rice Federation, premium fragrant rice and white rice make up most shipments, with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the European Union and China among the main markets. Earlier in the year the federation reported shipments from dozens of exporters to 66 countries and regions.
Why exports are growing
Analysts point to strong demand for Cambodian fragrant rice, better logistics and regional trade agreements. Mr. Thong Mengdavid, deputy director of the China-ASEAN Studies Center at the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, said the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement lower costs for Cambodian exporters, and described the milestone as a shift from raw paddy towards higher-value agricultural exports.
Sources: Xinhua, Cambodia Rice Federation via Xinhua.
Frequently asked questions
How much rice has Cambodia exported in 2026?
1.01 million tonnes of milled rice from 1 January to 19 October 2026, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Is this a record for Cambodia?
Yes. It is the first time Cambodia’s milled rice exports have passed 1 million tonnes, and already more than the roughly 940,000 tonnes exported in all of 2025.
Where does Cambodian rice go?
Mainly to ASEAN countries, the European Union and China, led by premium fragrant rice and white rice.
