Cambodian rice exports increased in first half of 2020

Local media reports that Cambodia has seen a significant increase in rice exports in the first six months of 2020. Both the Khmer Times and Phnom Penh Post reported on the increase in rice exports but published contrasting data on the exact amount. The KT reports that Cambodia exported 397,660 tonnes of milled rice from January to June this year while the PP Post said 410,563 tonnes were exported in the first half of 2020. Agriculture Minister Veng Sakhon said, "The exports of milled rice in the first six months this year has risen to various market destinations compared with the same period last year." The PP Post added that the combined value of milled-rice exports was $264.5 million, according to Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF).

Cambodia rice exports Jan-June 2020

Cambodia exported milled rice to over 56 countries in 2020, including the European Union (EU), China, and within ASEAN. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries report said there was a:

• 45.19 per cent increase to the EU market
• 25.20 per cent increase to the Chinese market
• 47.69 per cent increase to the ASEAN market
• 79.26 per cent increase to other markets

New markets such as Hong Kong and Australia were highlighted and the “The rise in milled-rice exports can be attributed to the purity and calibre of Cambodia’s fragrant rice varieties, which dovetails with the markets’ needs" said General Directorate of Agriculture director-general Ngin Chhay.

Total Cambodian Rice Exports

• 2020: 800,00 tonnes (expected)*
• 2019: 620,106 tonnes
• 2018: 626,225 tonnes

It is also expected that the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be finalised by the end of 2020 and will boost the Kingdom’s export volume even further.