Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Cambodia is strategically advancing its efforts to significantly expand rice exports to the United States, targeting an ambitious goal of 20,000 tons annually. To realize this objective, the Cambodian Rice Federation (CRF) recently spearheaded a delegation of ten leading rice exporting companies on a crucial mission to the US. The trip was designed to facilitate comprehensive market research and direct business-to-business engagements with international distribution networks, ultimately aiming to strengthen and broaden the presence of Khmer rice in the American market.
The delegation’s itinerary included participation in the prestigious “SUMMER FANCY FOOD SHOW (SFA 2026)” in New York City, held from June 28 to June 30. Following the exhibition, Mr. Lay Chhunhour, President of the Cambodian Rice Federation, led the team in discussions with Mr. Kim Charles Hout, Cambodia’s Honorary Consul in Long Beach, California, who also serves as the President of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce in Long Beach. Additionally, meetings were held with several Khmer market owners in the region. These engagements were pivotal for fostering stronger cooperation and actively promoting the export of Cambodian rice to the US.
Mr. Lay Chhunhour highlighted that the United States represents a market with immense potential for Cambodian rice, particularly its premium fragrant varieties, which have already garnered international recognition for their quality. He emphasized that this direct market study would provide invaluable insights to the Cambodian private sector, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of market trends and to forge stronger relationships with US-based importers, distributors, and market operators.
“This visit is crucial for understanding the actual demands of consumers in the United States, enabling Cambodian rice exporting companies to enhance product quality, refine packaging, build robust brands, and develop marketing strategies that align precisely with the needs of both consumers and importers,” Mr. Lay Chhunhour stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Kim Charles Hout, representing the Cambodian government in the US, affirmed the readiness of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce in Long Beach to facilitate connections and expand market opportunities. He assured support in linking Cambodian exporting companies with US importers, distributors, and trade partners. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to ongoing collaboration, pledging to organize promotional programs, business matching events, and foster direct communication between producers, exporters, and importers to further elevate the reputation of Cambodian rice in the American marketplace.
According to data from the Cambodian Rice Federation, Cambodia exported over 7,300 tons of rice to the US market during the first half of 2026. A noteworthy finding from the delegation’s visit to Chaktomuk Market, a prominent outlet for Khmer and Asian products, was the presence of approximately ten distinct brands of “Khmer rice” already available for sale. This indicates an existing, albeit nascent, market for Cambodian rice.
In an interview with Thmey Thmey in June 2024, Mr. Song Saran, Chairman of the Cambodian Rice Federation Board, articulated the federation’s ambition to increase Khmer rice exports to the US to approximately 20,000 tons annually. From January to April 2026, Cambodia’s total rice exports reached 469,909 tons, valued at $266.38 million, destined for 60 global markets. The CRF noted that fragrant rice remains the most sought-after variety, accounting for 58 percent of orders, with long-grain white rice, various mixed rice types, parboiled rice, and organic rice also contributing to the export volume.
