Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Cambodia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume of semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Cambodia fluctuated between 2.4 and 2.6 million tons. The period opened with the Malys Angkor variety winning the world's best rice award in 2018, boosting the premium image of Cambodian rice. However, anti-dumping duties reintroduced by the European Union that year raised export costs. Market volume saw a modest increase to 2.6 million tons in 2019, supported by growing export shipments noted by the Cambodia Rice Federation, though this was limited by persistent gaps in milling and storage infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted international logistics and increased fertilizer costs, leading to a contraction in market volume to 2.4 million tons.

The market recovered to 2.7 million tons in 2021, driven by the AFD project to commercialize Cambodian rice, which strengthened sector governance and facilitated financing for small mills, alongside government calls for investment in storage and processing capacity. This expansion was challenged in 2022 when market volume fell to 2.5 million tons, primarily due to soaring production costs for fertilizer and fuel following the war in Ukraine, which squeezed processor margins and constrained domestic availability.

A strong rebound followed in 2023, with market volume reaching 2.8 million tons. This growth was supported by the adoption of the Environment and Natural Resources Code (ENRC), Cambodia's first environmental legislation targeting sustainable rice cultivation, and the continued structuring of the export sector under the AFD project, which helped offset ongoing cost pressures.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Cambodia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Cambodia was one of the world's leading producers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice from 2017 to 2020, ranking 13th globally by production volume.

Top producers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

Cambodia's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 3 025 K t, marking a moderate decrease of 3.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 4.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 3 128 K t, with the largest annual increase of 4.3% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Semi-milled or wholly milled rice production in Cambodia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 182 M $ US, representing an 8.2% decrease from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 5.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 2 823 M $ US, with the largest annual decline of 15.8% in 2019 and the largest increase of 21.7% in 2018.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Cambodia

Exports in kind, K t

Cambodia's exports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 638.2 K t, showing a year-on-year rise of 16.7%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 50.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, France, and Malaysia were the key destinations for Cambodia's semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports in kind. China accounted for 36.2% of exports, France for 13.0%, and Malaysia for 6.8%, together representing 55.9% 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 semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports in value terms increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 460.4 M $ US, a 10.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 36.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, France, and Gabon were the largest contributors to Cambodia's semi-milled or wholly milled rice exports in value terms. China held a 34.5% share, France 12.7%, and Gabon 7.8%, collectively accounting for 55.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Cambodia

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports varied significantly, with a 5.9-fold difference between the minimum in 2017 and the maximum in 2019. In 2020, Cambodia imported 11.7 K t of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, a sharp decrease of 42.6% from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 20.4 K t, with the largest annual increase of 145.8% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam was the primary source of semi-milled or wholly milled rice imports to Cambodia, accounting for 80.0% of total imports in kind. The remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports varied by a factor of 3.2, from a low in 2017 to a high in 2018. In 2020, Cambodia imported approximately 4.7 M $ US of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, a steep decrease of 40.0% compared to 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 8.9 M $ US, with the largest annual increase of 219.2% also in 2018.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Vietnam dominated Cambodia's semi-milled or wholly milled rice imports in value terms, with a share of 72.7% of total flows. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares.

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

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