Milled rice and broken rice market in Cambodia

Earlier Report Observations

The Cambodian milled and broken rice market volume remained around 2.6 million tons in 2018 and 2019. This stability coincided with a national strategy workshop organized by the Ministry of Commerce and other agencies to formulate a plan for expanding and diversifying the export market for Cambodian rice, laying groundwork for future growth. In 2020, the market contracted to 2.4 million tons as exports surged, driven by China's position as the largest and most promising export destination, which redirected more rice abroad and reduced domestic availability.

After recovering to 2.7 million tons in 2021, the market volume declined to 2.5 million tons in 2022. This decrease occurred alongside the Pkar Rumduol fragrant rice winning the world's best rice award in late 2022, an event that strengthened the international reputation of Cambodian rice and boosted export demand, likely pulling supply away from the local market. Furthermore, the earlier noted diversification of agriculture toward crops like cassava and corn may have continued to influence land use and production priorities.

The market reached its peak for the period at 2.9 million tons in 2023, fueled by a significant rise in production to 3.5 million tons while export volumes held steady. Government support for the rice sector remained strong into 2024, with reports of record overall national production. The Malys Angkor rice winning the world's best rice award in 2024 and the active expansion of export markets to Africa and the Middle East underscored the sector's growing global competitiveness and demand for high-quality Cambodian rice.

Production milled rice and broken rice in Cambodia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Cambodia ranked as the 14th largest producer of milled rice and broken rice from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of milled rice and broken rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of milled rice and broken rice, 2017-2020

Cambodia's production of milled rice and broken rice declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 3 032 K t, down 3.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 135 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 3.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Cambodia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Cambodia's milled rice and broken rice production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 2 185 M $ US, an 8.1% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value fell by 5.8%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 2.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 2 826 M $ US, with the largest annual decrease occurring in 2019 at 15.9% and the largest increase in 2018 at 21.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Cambodia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports milled rice and broken rice from Cambodia

Exports in kind, K t

Cambodia's exports of milled rice and broken rice increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 642.1 K t, a substantial 16.6% gain compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 50.6%, representing an annualized growth rate of 14.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Cambodia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China, France, and Malaysia were the main markets for Cambodia's milled rice and broken rice exports by volume. China accounted for 35.9% of exports, France for 13.1%, and Malaysia for 6.7%, together representing 55.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Cambodia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Cambodia's milled rice and broken rice export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 462.8 M $ US, a strong 10.8% uptick from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value rose by 36.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Cambodia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, China, France, and Gabon formed the core group of markets for Cambodia's milled rice and broken rice exports by value. China held a 34.3% share, France 12.8%, and Gabon 7.8%, collectively accounting for 54.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Cambodia in value, 2017-2020

Imports milled rice and broken rice to Cambodia

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 5.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Cambodia imported 14.7 K t of milled rice and broken rice, reflecting an abrupt 27.9% decrease from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 20.4 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 141.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Cambodia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam dominated Cambodia's milled rice and broken rice imports by volume, accounting for 75.1% of total flows. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Cambodia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Import values exhibited notable volatility during these years. The minimum value was recorded in 2017, while the maximum occurred in 2018, with a 3.1-fold variation between them. In 2020, Cambodia's imports of milled rice and broken rice amounted to 5.8 M $ US, a 26.0% decrease from the previous year. The peak value was 9.0 M $ US in 2018, which also saw the largest annual increase at 215.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Cambodia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Vietnam, Thailand, and the United States played leading roles in Cambodia's milled rice and broken rice imports by value. Vietnam accounted for 69.9% of imports, Thailand for 7.0%, and the United States for 6.8%, jointly representing 83.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Cambodia in value, 2017-2020