Cambodia is striving to diversify and expand its rice export markets. To this end, it has launched the “Cambodia’s Milled Rice Market Expansion and Export Diversification Strategy 2025–2030”. In 2024, the Kingdom exported over 650,000 tonnes of milled rice, generating nearly $500 million in revenue.
The official launch ceremony of the new strategy took place during the 4th General Assembly of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) and the election of the CRF’s President and Board Members for its 5th mandate. The event took place in Phnom Penh on August 26.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina, as well as representatives from several additional ministries, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other stakeholders.
Commerce minister Nimul emphasised how the rice sector plays a vital role in Cambodia’s economy by ensuring national food security and contributing to export growth. To further increase rice exports to international markets, active collaboration among stakeholders is essential.
She noted that in 2024, Cambodian rice was exported to several countries, particularly China, which accounted for 30% of total exports. This percentage is expected to rise in 2025.
“Under the seventh-mandate government, the commerce ministry will continue to prioritise the indispensable participation of the private sector in implementing government policies and strategies, and in maximising the benefits of Cambodia’s trade agreements,” she said.
She highlighted the significant role of the CRF in working alongside the ministry and other institutions as a technical partner of the rice export strategy. She also offered key recommendations to the CRF, rice exporting companies and relevant stakeholders to enhance the productivity of the Kingdom’s rice sector.
According to the ministry, the 2025-2030 strategy outlines three main strategic directions.
It aims to maintain Cambodia’s strong position in key premium fragrant rice markets internationally, while also increasing “white rice” exports by targeting middle-income consumers in regional Asian markets.
Finally it also seeks to expand market opportunities through existing and future trade agreements and institutional food procurement mechanisms, such as government-to-government (G2G) deals, food aid programmes and food security initiatives via the UN and humanitarian organisations.
According to the CRF, in 2024, Cambodia exported 651,522 tonnes of rice, worth $491.19 million.
In the first seven months of 2025, Cambodia exported 420,572 tonnes to 65 countries/territories, generating $309.32 million. This represents strong revenue growth compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 379,546 tonnes exported and $280 million in revenue generated.
As part of the event, CRF leadership elections were also held. Lay Chhun Hour was elected as president, while former president Chan Sokheang was elected as chairman of the CRF Advisory Board.
