Cambodia milled rice exports reached 49,815 tonnes in the first two months of this year, an increase of 106 per cent from the same period last year. Jasmine rice was the biggest part of the exports, followed by long grain white rice, data from the Secretariat of the One Window service for rice exports showed.

“Our rice is more recognised in international markets, especially our fragrant rice exports,” said Kim Savuth, president of the Federation of Cambodian Rice Exporters. “For international buyers, the quality of our fragrant rice is equal to Thai rice but the price is cheaper, while the price of our ordinary white rice is a bit higher than Vietnam but the quality is more competitive.”

According to the figures, Cambodia exported 23,956 tonnes of jasmine rice during the two months, 2,668 tonnes of neang malis and 21,179 tonnes of long grain white rice.

Amru Rice Cambodia was the leading rice exporter during the period with 6,999 tonnes, followed by Khmer Food with 6,921 tonnes, Baitang at 6,696 tonnes, Golden Rice Cambodia with 6,533 tonnes and International Rice Trading at 4,225 tonnes.

Song Saran, CEO and president of Amru Rice Cambodia, said there are many new markets which are ordering Cambodia milled rice products.

“Malaysia and China are our new emerging markets in Asia with high demand,” Saran said. “Moreover, there are several countries in Europe such as Greece, Poland and Spain that are new clients.”

Malaysia, the third largest market for Cambodian rice last year, moved to the first place two months ago with imports of 9,515 tonnes, followed by France with 8,899 tonnes, Poland with 8,400 tonnes and Gabon and China, with 3,736 tonnes and 3,216 tonnes respectively.