Cambodia’s rice sector has kicked off 2026 with the kind of momentum that makes policymakers smile and farmers breathe a little easier. In January alone, the country earned more than US$143 million from rice exports, a powerful signal that Cambodia’s agricultural backbone is not just holding firm—it’s accelerating.
Behind those numbers is a bigger story: rising global demand, improved competitiveness, and a rice industry that’s slowly but surely climbing up the value chain. So what’s driving this surge, where is Cambodian rice going, and what does it mean for the economy going forward? Let’s dig in.
Rice Exports Deliver a Strong Start to 2026
According to data released by the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) in early February, Cambodia exported both milled rice and paddy rice in volumes that significantly outperformed the same period last year.
In January 2026, the Kingdom shipped:
- 115,784 tonnes of milled rice
- 322,488 tonnes of paddy rice
Combined, these exports generated more than US$143 million in revenue, split almost evenly between milled rice and paddy rice sales.
That’s not just a routine uptick—it’s a statement. Compared to January 2025, milled rice exports nearly doubled, jumping by 95 percent in volume. For an industry often at the mercy of weather, logistics, and global prices, that kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident.
Milled Rice Exports Nearly Double Year-on-Year
Let’s start with milled rice, Cambodia’s flagship agricultural export.
In January 2026:
- 115,784 tonnes of milled rice were exported
- Export revenue reached US$70.93 million
That represents a 47.67 percent increase in value compared to the roughly US$48 million earned in January 2025.
Think of it like this: Cambodia didn’t just sell more rice—it sold it better. Higher volumes combined with stronger prices point to improved market positioning and sustained demand, especially for premium varieties.
Europe, China, and ASEAN Drive Demand
One of the most encouraging signs in the latest data is how diversified Cambodia’s export markets have become. Rather than relying on a single destination, Cambodian rice is now feeding tables across multiple continents.
Europe Remains a Key Market
European countries continued to be a major destination for Cambodian rice, particularly fragrant varieties.
- 38,156 tonnes exported
- US$26.53 million in value
- Shipped to 14 European countries
Despite stricter standards and competition, Europe remains a reliable buyer, especially for high-quality and sustainably produced rice.
China Maintains Strong Import Volumes
China remained another cornerstone market:
- 25,416 tonnes exported
- US$16.75 million in revenue
China’s consistent demand reflects long-term trade arrangements and Cambodia’s growing reputation as a dependable supplier.
ASEAN Markets Show Solid Growth
Closer to home, ASEAN countries continued to absorb large volumes:
- 42,097 tonnes
- US$18.78 million
- Exported to five ASEAN member states
Regional demand benefits from proximity, lower logistics costs, and familiar taste preferences—advantages Cambodia is increasingly capitalizing on.
Expanding Footprint Beyond Traditional Markets
Beyond Europe, China, and ASEAN, Cambodia shipped:
- 10,115 tonnes of milled rice
- Worth US$8.87 million
These exports reached 14 additional markets, including countries in:
- Africa
- The Middle East
- The Americas
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
That expanding footprint matters. It’s like spreading seeds across different fields—if one market slows, others can still flourish.
Fragrant Rice Dominates Cambodia’s Export Basket
Not all rice is created equal, and Cambodia knows where its strength lies.
Fragrant Rice Leads the Way
Fragrant rice remained the undisputed star of Cambodia’s exports:
- 66.31 percent of total milled rice exports
Known for its aroma, texture, and premium quality, fragrant rice continues to command higher prices and stronger demand, particularly in Europe and China.
Other Rice Varieties at a Glance
The remaining export mix included:
- Broken rice (all types): 25.94 percent
- Other rice varieties: 5.24 percent
- Parboiled rice: 1.55 percent
- Organic rice: 0.85 percent
- White rice: 0.11 percent
While organic rice still represents a small slice of the pie, its presence signals growing potential—especially as global consumers become more health- and sustainability-conscious.
Paddy Rice Exports Add Another US$72 Million
Milled rice may grab the headlines, but paddy rice exports remain a vital pillar of Cambodia’s rice economy.
In January 2026:
- 322,488 tonnes of paddy rice were exported
- Generating an estimated US$72.56 million
Paddy rice exports provide quick cash flow for farmers and traders, even if they yield lower margins than milled rice. In many ways, they act like the engine idling in the background—less glamorous, but essential for keeping the system running.
What’s Behind the Export Surge?
So why is Cambodia’s rice sector performing so strongly right now?
Improved Production and Supply
Better farming practices, improved seed varieties, and relatively favorable conditions have helped ensure sufficient supply to meet export demand.
Strong Global Demand
Global food security concerns, coupled with supply uncertainties in other major rice-producing countries, have pushed buyers to diversify—and Cambodia has benefited.
Market Diversification Strategy
Cambodia’s deliberate push to expand beyond traditional markets has reduced dependency risks and opened new revenue streams.
Competitive Positioning of Fragrant Rice
Cambodian fragrant rice has carved out a niche that allows it to compete on quality rather than just price—a crucial advantage in volatile global markets.
What This Means for Farmers and the Economy
For Cambodian farmers, these numbers translate into more than statistics.
Higher export volumes and values mean:
- Better farmgate prices
- More stable income
- Increased confidence to invest in future crops
For the broader economy, rice exports:
- Strengthen foreign exchange earnings
- Support rural livelihoods
- Reinforce agriculture’s role as a pillar of economic stability
It’s a reminder that while Cambodia continues to diversify into manufacturing and services, agriculture remains deeply woven into the country’s economic fabric.
Challenges Still Loom on the Horizon
Of course, no success story is without its challenges.
Cambodia’s rice sector still faces:
- Rising production and logistics costs
- Climate-related risks such as droughts and floods
- Competition from larger exporters like Thailand, Vietnam, and India
The next phase of growth will depend on whether Cambodia can:
- Increase value-added processing
- Expand branding and certification
- Invest in storage, milling, and logistics infrastructure
In short, the challenge is to move from selling more rice to earning more from every grain.
A Promising Outlook for 2026
If January is any indication, 2026 could be a strong year for Cambodia’s rice exports.
The combination of:
- Rising volumes
- Higher export earnings
- Diverse markets
- Strong demand for premium varieties
suggests the sector is on solid footing.
Like a river after the rainy season, Cambodia’s rice industry is flowing with renewed strength. The key now is channeling that momentum into long-term resilience and sustainable growth.
Final Thoughts: Rice as a Symbol of Cambodia’s Resilience
Rice has always been more than just a crop in Cambodia—it’s culture, livelihood, and identity rolled into one.
This strong start to 2026 shows that with the right mix of quality, strategy, and market access, Cambodia can compete confidently on the global stage. The world is buying Cambodian rice, and increasingly, it’s buying into the story behind it.
The question now isn’t whether Cambodia can export rice—but how far it can take this success. And if January is any clue, the journey ahead looks promising.
FAQs
Cambodia earned more than US$143 million from rice exports in January 2026, according to the Cambodia Rice Federation.
The country exported 115,784 tonnes of milled rice, nearly double the volume recorded in January 2025.
Major markets include European countries, China, and ASEAN member states, with additional exports to Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand.
Fragrant rice dominates Cambodia’s exports, accounting for over 66 percent of total milled rice shipments.
Cambodia exported 322,488 tonnes of paddy rice, generating an estimated US$72.56 million in revenue.
Growth is driven by stronger global demand, improved production capacity, diversified export markets, and rising demand for premium Cambodian fragrant rice.
Rising rice exports boost farmer incomes, strengthen foreign exchange earnings, support rural livelihoods, and reinforce agriculture’s role in Cambodia’s economic stability.