Cambodia’s Banana Exports Rise 20% in First 10 Months of 2025

By Leng Deth

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 19, 2025) — Cambodia earned about $148 million from fresh banana exports between January and October 2025, a 20% increase compared to $123 million during the same period last year, according to a Ministry of Commerce report.

Heng Davy, general manager of Long Sreng Banana Plantation in Stung Treng province, said the company currently exports to two major markets — China and Japan. She noted the plantation harvests between 6,000 and 7,000 banana bunches daily, packing at least three containers per day and up to 10 during peak demand, with most shipments bound for China and Japan.

Commerce Ministry secretary of state Va Rotsan said agricultural exports overall have increased in the first 10 months of 2025, as Cambodia diversifies both its export markets and agricultural products.

In 2024, Cambodia earned more than $138 million from banana exports, down 11% compared to 2023. The country has about 16,000 hectares of banana plantations, with 11,000 hectares currently under harvest. Major growing areas include Ratanakiri, Kratie, Stung Treng, Kampot, Kampong Cham and Kampong Speu provinces.

  
Cambodia’s banana exports to China have surged since the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding allowing official shipments in 2019. China quickly became the largest market, driving growth in the Cavendish banana industry. By 2025, exports to China accounted for the majority of Cambodia’s banana trade, supported by Chinese investment in plantations and supply chains.

Officials say the MoU paved the way for stricter quality standards, packaging requirements and phytosanitary inspections, enabling Cambodian bananas to compete in China’s high-demand market. The agreement also encouraged expansion of cultivation areas and boosted confidence among investors, positioning bananas as one of Cambodia’s most successful agricultural exports.