Exports of milled rice up 6 pct in Q1

04 Apr 2019 2105 | Business & Trade Fairs

Exports of milled rice rose by 6 percent during the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2018, according to the latest report from the Ministry of Agriculture.

While China was the top buyer, exports of the commodity to the European Union declined slightly, clear sign tariffs imposed earlier this year by the EU are having an effect on trade.

From January to March, Cambodia exported 170,821 tonnes of milled rice compared to 161,115 tonnes during the same months last year.

Song Saran, Amru Rice president, said they have been receiving a lot of orders from countries across Asia, while those from the EU have declined slightly.

“Our company exported a lot to the Asian market, particularly China and some Asean countries like Thailand and Vietnam,” he said.

“After China increased its import quota for Cambodian rice, demand in that market has increased. From January to March, which is low season, we sent there 20,000 to 30,000 tonnes a month.

“I believe that during the second half of the year the number of orders will double because it is peak season, and I think we will meet our quota of 400,000 tonnes in the Chinese market.”

Mr Saran said Cambodia’s fragrant rice is popular among Chinese and Vietnamese consumers. “They trust our quality very much. I believe exports there will continue to grow.”

Mr Sokheang said he was satisfied with their performance in the Chinese market. “Our milled rice is growing in popularity in China, especially our fragrant rice. I hope we can continue to expand our presence in that market.”

In January, the EU imposed tariffs on rice imports from Cambodia and Myanmar that, it says, were hurting farmers in the European Union.