Philippines Set to Boost Cambodian Rice Imports More Than 50 Times This Year

Philippines Set to Boost Cambodian Rice Imports More Than 50 Times This Year

PHNOM PENH, 29 June 2026 — Cambodian rice exports to the Philippines are expected to increase more than 50-fold in 2026, driven by rising demand for long-grain white rice and Cambodia’s competitive pricing, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Based on estimates by the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), rice exports to the Philippines could reach around 200,000 tonnes by the end of the year, compared with just 3,510 tonnes exported in 2025.

The USDA expects the Philippines to become one of Cambodia’s fastest-growing rice export markets this year as importers diversify their sources of supply. Cambodia’s competitively priced, high-quality long-grain rice has also strengthened its position in the Philippine market.

The CRF estimates that around 20% of Cambodia’s total rice exports could be shipped to the Philippines in 2026, with the country’s overall rice exports projected to exceed one million tonnes.

Khim Finan, spokesman for Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, said the rapid growth in exports reflects close cooperation between Cambodian Agriculture Minister Dith Tina and Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. He said both sides have actively facilitated direct business links between private-sector rice traders in the two countries.

Finan added that the expanding trade benefits both nations by opening new export opportunities for Cambodia, increasing farmers’ incomes and providing the Philippines with a reliable source of rice to strengthen its food security.

According to the Philippines’ Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Cambodia had exported 60,860 tonnes of rice to the Philippines as of 11 June 2026, representing approximately 2.51% of Cambodia’s total rice exports but still below the projected full-year target.