Cambodia Aims to Become Global Supplier of High-Quality Cashew and Pepper

By Leng Deth

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.23, 2025) — Cambodia is working to transform itself from a raw producer into a leading exporter of high-quality cashew nuts and pepper, with the government prioritizing efforts to boost global competitiveness and meet international standards.

Speaking at the Cambodia Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum on Oct. 23, Commerce Minister Cham Nimul said the country is committed to upgrading its agricultural value chains and positioning Cambodian products on premium global markets. The forum, held under the theme “Unlocking EU Market Access 2025,” gathered producers, processors, exporters, and investors to explore innovation and investment opportunities.

Cham said the Ministry of Commerce is enhancing export systems, quality assurance, certification, and traceability to align with European market standards. She highlighted national policy frameworks, including the 2022–2027 Cashew Policy and a forthcoming Pepper Policy, aimed at promoting sustainable production, processing, and market diversification.

Cambodia ranks second globally in raw cashew production and first in quality, according to An Dara, president of the Cambodia Cashew Federation. He attributed this to the country’s large, flavorful, and nutrient-rich nuts, which command premium prices.

Cham also emphasized the importance of trade agreements like RCEP and expanding new markets to build trust and elevate the value of Cambodian agricultural exports.

In the first nine months of 2025, Cambodia earned $801 million from cashew exports, a 60.54% increase year-on-year. However, pepper exports fell by over 11%, generating $28 million during the same period.