Fuel shock warnings as Cambodia sees Q1 rice export revenue climb by almost one-third
Cambodia earned over $200 million from rice exports in Q1 2026, up nearly 30% year-on-year, with strong global demand. However, rising fuel costs are squeezing margins across the value chain, increasing pressure on farmers, millers, and consumers despite export growth.
Cambodia generated more than $200 million in revenue from rice exports in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of nearly 30% compared to the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, revenue from paddy exports exceeded $400 million. Despite the success, some industry insiders warn that the current global energy crisis will have a detrimental effect on margins at all levels of the value chain.
The Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) reported that in Q1 2026, Cambodia exported 361,578 tonnes of milled rice through 58 exporting companies to 56 destinations. Revenue totalled $207.54 million, up from $160.51 million in Q1 2025.
CRF president Lay Chhun Hour, has previously highlighted how the government has worked to enhance the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s rice exports. Notably, they surpassed 900,000 tonnes in 2025, after remaining at around 600,000 tonnes for several years.
However, as fuel prices have continued to rise over the past month, Chhun Hour has warned that diesel prices are quietly squeezing every step of the rice chain — from paddy fields to mills to markets.
“Higher transport costs mean lower margins for farmers and higher prices for consumers. When fuel goes up, the burden doesn’t travel alone — it carries the weight of the entire rice sector,” he said, via an April 5 social media post.
According to the CRF report, export destinations included China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which received 89,215 tonnes valued at $56.38 million; 31 European countries, which imported 98,075 tonnes worth $68.16 million; 5 ASEAN countries, which accounted for 145,771 tonnes valued at $56.35 million; and 18 other destinations (notably in Africa and the Middle East), which imported 28,517 tonnes worth $26.65 million.
Exports consisted of 60.12% fragrant rice, 16.16% long-grain white rice, 1.55% parboiled rice, 0.88% organic rice, 21.09% broken rice and 0.2% of other types.
In addition to milled rice, Cambodia also exported 2,000,600 tonnes of paddy to neighbouring countries, generating approximately $433.23 million.
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Source : The Phnom Penh Post
