On August 26, the Cambodian Government officially launched the “Cambodia’s Milled Rice Market Expansion and Export Diversification Strategy 2025–2030”, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of its rice sector and expand access to international markets.

The launch ceremony took place during the 4th General Assembly of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), which also included the election of the Federation’s President and Executive Board for the fifth mandate. The event was attended by Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina, representatives from relevant ministries, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and various stakeholders from the private sector.

Speaking at the event, Minister Cham Nimul highlighted the strategic importance of the rice industry in ensuring national food security and contributing to Cambodia’s export growth. She stressed the need for stronger collaboration between public institutions and private enterprises to effectively implement the government’s trade and agricultural strategies.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, the newly launched strategy outlines three key directions: Maintaining Cambodia’s strong position in premium fragrant rice markets globally; Expanding white rice exports by targeting middle-income consumers in regional Asian markets; and Tapping into new market opportunities through current and future trade agreements, as well as international food procurement frameworks, such as government-to-government (G2G) deals, food aid programmes, and food security initiatives led by the UN and other humanitarian organisations.

In 2024, Cambodia exported a total of 651,522 tonnes of milled rice, earning 491.19 million USD in export revenue. China remained the top export destination, accounting for approximately 30% of total exports, a figure expected to rise further in 2025.

In the first seven months of 2025, Cambodia exported 420,572 tonnes of rice to 65 countries and territories, generating 309.32 million USD in revenue – a notable increase compared to the same period in 2024 (379,546 tonnes, 280 million USD).

Minister Nimul affirmed that, under the leadership of the seventh-mandate government, the Ministry of Commerce would continue to prioritise the active involvement of the private sector in policy implementation and efforts to maximise the benefits from Cambodia’s participation in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.

Source: Compiled by the Multilateral Trade Policy Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam