Philippines Investors Eye Cambodian Rice Imports

• 22 February 2025
• Property Focus
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In a significant step towards bolstering agricultural trade, Arvin International Marketing Inc., a leading Philippines company, has expressed a keen interest in importing high-quality rice from Cambodia. This announcement follows a meeting between HE Cham Nimol, Cambodia’s Minister of Commerce, and Mrs Azucena L. Yao, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arvin International, held in Manila.

HE Cham Nimol welcomed the company’s initiative, emphasising the importance of enhancing collaboration to promote agricultural exports, particularly rice and paddy. Cambodian rice has gained international recognition, having been named the best in the world for six consecutive years, underscoring its reputation for quality.

According to a press release from the Cambodian Rice Federation, Cambodia exported a total of 651,522 tons of rice in 2024, facilitated by 57 exporting companies to 68 international markets. Notably, 327,156 tons were shipped to 26 European nations, generating approximately USD 253.18 million in revenue. Furthermore, exports included 117,925 tons to China (including Hong Kong and Macau) valued at USD 75.66 million and 127,076 tons to seven ASEAN countries, such as East Timor, worth around USD 92.70 million. Additional shipments reached 32 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and other regions, totalling 79,365 tons and valued at USD 69.54 million.

The breakdown of rice exports shows that fragrant rice comprised 76.15% of the total shipments, followed by regular “white” rice at 18.70%. Other categories included milled rice at 3.10%, organic rice at 1.78%, and various other types at 0.27%. Additionally, Cambodia exported a substantial 5,180,155 tons of wet rice, amounting to approximately USD 1.496 billion, with 89% of these transactions conducted through proper export documentation from relevant authorities.

As interest from Philippines investors grows, Cambodia’s rice sector is poised for greater international engagement, enhancing its footprint in the global agricultural market.

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