Cambodia’s pepper exports earn $27 million in the first eight months of 2025

By Leng Deth

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.03, 2025) — Cambodia earned more than $27 million from pepper exports between January and August 2025, marking a 3.12% decline compared to the same period last year, when export revenue reached approximately $30.5 million, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Mak Ny, president of the Cambodia Pepper and Spice Federation (CPSF), said domestic pepper prices have risen to between 25,000 and 26,500 riel per kilogram, outperforming last year’s rates due to increased orders amid falling global stockpiles.

In Battambang province’s Samlot district, farmer Soeum Sovann said black pepper—grown and sun-dried by local producers—is fetching higher market prices than last year, bringing renewed optimism to growers. He added that one ton of fresh pepper typically yields around 300 kilograms of dried black pepper. Last year, the price stood at just 16,000 riel per kilogram, while this year it has climbed to as high as 25,000 riel.

According to CPSF, Cambodia produced around 9,000 tons of pepper in 2024, a drop of 40–50% compared to 2023. Despite the lower output, prices doubled to 24,000 riel per kilogram.

Annual pepper production in Cambodia ranges from 17,000 to 20,000 tons across more than 6,000 hectares. About 80% of exports goes to Vietnam, followed by China, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union.

The EU remains a high-value market for Cambodian pepper, particularly for Kampot pepper, which holds Geographical Indication (GI) status. While most Cambodian pepper is routed through Vietnam for processing and re-export, direct access to European buyers offers better margins for sustainably produced, certified pepper. Exporters targeting the EU must meet strict requirements on contaminants, pesticide residues, and traceability, but demand for premium, organic pepper continues to grow at 1–2% annually.

In 2024, Cambodia earned over $34 million from pepper exports, a nearly 150% increase compared to 2023.