RCEP, China FTA Lift Cambodian Rice Exports, Federation Chief Says

RCEP, China FTA Lift Cambodian Rice Exports, Federation Chief Says

PHNOM PENH, 15 January 2026 (Xinhua) — Cambodia’s exports of milled rice to China nearly doubled last year, driven by preferential market access under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Cambodia–China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), industry officials said.

Cambodia shipped 231,125 tonnes of milled rice to China in 2025, a 96% increase from a year earlier, generating $138.36 million in revenue, up 83%, according to the Cambodia Rice Federation.

Lay Chhun Hour, president of the federation, said the trade agreements, along with China’s rice import quota for Cambodia, had significantly expanded access to the Chinese market.

“Among the 75 countries and regions to which Cambodia exports milled rice, China ranks first,” he said, adding that the market has been especially important for premium fragrant rice varieties, which command higher prices.

Analysts said Cambodia has benefited from both preferential tariffs and rising demand in China.

Thong Mengdavid, deputy director of the China-ASEAN Studies Center at the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, said stronger Chinese demand for imported rice and growing confidence in Cambodian rice quality have supported the expansion.

“China’s focus on food security and diversification of import sources works in Cambodia’s favour, particularly for fragrant and high-quality rice,” he said.

The outlook for Cambodian rice exports to China remains positive, Mengdavid added, provided producers maintain quality standards, ensure consistent supply, and manage logistics and pricing competitiveness.