PHNOM PENH — Cambodia earned more than $48 million from fresh banana exports in the first quarter of 2026, a 16% increase from the same period a year earlier, according to data from the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).
China accounted for the bulk of shipments, absorbing nearly $42 million worth of Cambodian bananas in the January–March period — roughly 87% of total export value. Japan ranked second at more than $4.5 million, followed by Vietnam at $1.4 million, Hong Kong at $640,000, and South Korea at more than $540,000.
Khim Finan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, attributed the growth to strong overseas demand for Cambodian fresh produce.
The quarterly figures build on a strong full-year performance. Cambodia generated more than $178 million from fresh banana exports in 2025, up 16.83% from 2024, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
Cambodia currently cultivates bananas across more than 16,000 hectares, with over 11,000 hectares under active harvest. Production is concentrated in the northeastern and coastal provinces, with Ratanakiri, Kratie, Stung Treng, Kampot, Kampong Cham, and Kampong Speu among the leading growing regions.