Cambodia Signs New Rice Export Deal with Philippines, Targets 100,000 Tonnes in 2026

PHNOM PENH, Sept 16, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has signed a rice export agreement with a Philippine trading company, marking a new step in efforts to expand the market as the Kingdom targets 100,000 tonnes of rice exports to the Philippines this year, officials said Tuesday. City Rice Import Export signed the purchase deal with DILAI Trading on Sept 14 at the Ministry of Commerce, under the presidency of Commerce Minister Cham Nimul. The ceremony was attended by ministry officials, representatives of the Philippine Embassy, Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) leaders and industry stakeholders. City Rice said the shipment will be transported in bulk by barge, the company’s first bulk rice shipment to the Philippines. CEO and CRF President Lay Chunhour said the agreement reflects growing buyer confidence in Cambodian rice quality, safety and competitiveness. He noted the deal could lay the foundation for longer‑term and regular shipments. Cambodia exported 792,212 tonnes of milled rice worth USD 464 million to 66 destinations in the first eight months of 2026, CRF data showed. Fragrant rice accounted for nearly 58 percent of shipments, with the Philippines emerging as a new growth market. Minister Nimul said the agreement represents more than a commercial transaction, describing it as a strategic step to expand export markets, strengthen food security and deepen economic cooperation with the Philippines. She urged stakeholders to ensure timely delivery, product quality and stable supply, while implementing the Cambodia Rice Export Market Expansion and Diversification Strategy 2025–2030. Officials said the initial 10,000‑tonne shipment could serve as a foundation for future trade, helping Cambodia move closer to its 1‑million‑tonne export target for 2026.