PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s salt industry experienced a banner year in 2024, with production doubling compared to the previous year, fueled by favorable weather conditions.
The Kingdom produced a total of 168,882 tons of natural salt across 3,987.35 hectares of salt fields, enabling the export of 74,185 tons, according to a report from the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI).
This surge in production allowed Cambodia to become a net exporter of salt, eliminating the need for imports in 2024. The MISTI report highlighted the crucial role of the 191 salt production groups, primarily located in Kampot province (128,474 tons) and Kep province (40,408 tons).
The exported salt came from 32 local businesses, all of which are among the 54 enterprises licensed to use the national iodized salt label.
To ensure the continued growth and efficiency of the salt production sector, MISTI actively engaged with stakeholders throughout the year. The ministry organized meetings with salt producers and potential businesses in Kampot and Kep provinces to address industry challenges and conducted on-site inspections of salt fields and production facilities.
MISTI also collaborated with the Ministry of Land, Urban Planning and Construction to update and clarify land classifications specifically for salt fields in the two key producing provinces.
Furthermore, MISTI streamlined the process for businesses by adding the licensing of the national salt label, including iodization, to its public service fee list. These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting the salt industry and ensuring the quality and marketability of Cambodian salt products.
The significant increase in production and exports in 2024 underscores the potential of Cambodia’s salt sector and its contribution to the national economy.
