Cambodia’s Rubber Export Earnings Rise 16% in Q1 on Stable Prices, Strong Regional Demand

PHNOM PENH, May 4, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia earned more than US$127 million from rubber exports in the first quarter of 2026, up 15.67 percent year on year, driven by stable global prices and sustained demand from regional markets, official data showed Sunday.

The General Department of Customs and Excise said Vietnam remained the largest buyer, accounting for about US$104 million in imports, followed by China with more than US$13 million and Malaysia at over US$5 million.

Industry representatives said the sector has maintained steady performance despite global economic and geopolitical uncertainties, supported by relatively firm rubber prices. Cambodia generated US$562 million from rubber exports in 2025, a slight decline from the previous year, largely due to rising domestic demand.

Local consumption surged to more than 120,000 tons last year, reflecting a significant increase as the country expands its processing capacity and reduces reliance on raw exports. With nearly 450,000 hectares under cultivation and output of about 420,000 tons, Cambodia is gradually shifting toward higher value added activities in the rubber sector, including domestic processing and downstream manufacturing.

The government’s push to expand industrial capacity is helping stabilize earnings while creating new jobs and reducing exposure to volatile global markets. Analysts note that Cambodia’s ability to balance export growth with rising domestic consumption will be key to sustaining long term competitiveness in the sector.