PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has exported milled rice to a record 57 countries in the first nine months of 2023, according to the Cambodia Rice Federation.
The top export destinations for Cambodian milled rice in 2023 are China, Europe, and ASEAN countries. China remains the largest market for Cambodian milled rice.
Recently, some 3,500 tons of white rice had been exported to Indonesia in the first shipment.
The export of milled rice to Indonesia is a significant development for Cambodia. Indonesia is a major rice importer, and the Cambodian government has been working to open the Indonesian market for its milled rice. In August 2023, Indonesia agreed to purchase 125,000 tons of milled rice from Cambodia.
The increase in milled rice exports is a boon for the Cambodian economy. The rice sector is one of the largest employers in Cambodia, and the export of milled rice helps to generate foreign exchange earnings and support rural development.
The Cambodia Rice Federation has set a target of exporting 700,000 tons of milled rice in 2023. With the opening of new markets such as Indonesia, Cambodia is well on track to achieve this goal.