Cambodia Opens Direct Bulk Carrier Route to Philippine Rice Market

PHNOM PENH — Sept. 16, 2026: Cambodia has launched a new direct water transport route for rice exports to the Philippines, with the first 10,000-tonne bulk carrier shipment departing under a partnership between City Rice and Dilai Trading.

H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, presided over the launch ceremony at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on Wednesday morning, describing the initiative as a new beginning for the Kingdom's rice sector.

The bulk carrier route complements existing container shipments, expanding Cambodia's capacity to export rice by sea. Officials said the approach improves efficiency, boosts the competitiveness of Cambodian rice abroad, reduces costs and transit times, and secures a stable supply of high-quality rice for Filipino consumers.

The achievement followed guidance from Prime Minister Hun Manet on the use of Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, and close cooperation and facilitation by the port authority.

Cambodia exported 122,102 tonnes of rice to the Philippines in the first eight months of 2026, accounting for more than 15.4 percent of total rice exports of 792,212 tonnes, according to figures cited in the announcement.

The Cambodia Rice Federation said a further 87,344 tonnes are already contracted for September to December this year. If fulfilled, total exports to the Philippines in 2026 would reach approximately 209,446 tonnes.

That would represent a substantial increase over previous years and a major contribution to projections of more than 1 million tonnes in total rice exports for 2026 — surpassing the record 940,321 tonnes achieved in 2025.

Officials attributed the outcome to sustained efforts between the Cambodian and Philippine governments and the private sectors of both countries, including cooperation between H.E. Dith Tina and Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. They highlighted the role of B2B matching forums in connecting exporters and buyers.

The Ministry said state-to-state cooperation, combined with private sector engagement, remains the driving force behind the opening of major rice export markets and further record-breaking export performance in the years ahead.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

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Reported by The Khmer Today