According to Mr. Khim Finan, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, who confirmed the figures to Fresh News, Cambodia’s agricultural sector showed positive performance in 2025. Total agricultural export revenue increased compared to the previous year, showing steady progress in improving the agricultural value chain. Instead of depending mainly on raw farm products, Cambodia’s exports are gradually moving toward higher-value and more market-oriented products, especially rice and agro-processed goods such as animal feed. This shows that agriculture is becoming a more stable part of the national economy.
Rice exports clearly reflect this change. Recent improvements are linked not only to stronger demand from overseas markets, but also to better market diversification and coordination along the supply chain. Continued access to the European Union, along with increased exports to China and ASEAN countries, shows improved compliance with quality and standards requirements, as well as greater flexibility in export destinations. Overall, these trends indicate that Cambodia’s rice export system is becoming more resilient and diversified.
Beyond rice, the growth of agro-processing activities such as animal feed production highlights early progress in value addition. In 2025, Cambodia exported animal feed worth approximately USD 217.28 million, an increase of more than USD 75 million compared to 2024. This growth suggests rising demand for agro-processed products rather than raw agricultural goods. As a result, this development indicates a gradual shift away from simple volume-based farming toward more advanced and integrated value-chain activities.
However, last year’s rice market situation shows that challenges still exist. During the harvest season, some farmers had difficulty selling their paddy due to weaker market demand and lower prices, which raised public concern. To support farmers, the government provided financial support through the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank to help stabilise prices and improve market absorption during this period. In addition, financially capable individuals also helped by purchasing paddy directly from farmers, which reduced market pressure and eased the burden on farmers.
This experience does not contradict recent improvements in agricultural exports. Instead, it shows that while national export performance has improved, not all farmers are equally connected to stable buyers or organised market channels. From a policy perspective, this suggests the need for continued efforts to strengthen value-chain coordination so that export growth can lead to more stable and inclusive benefits for farmers.