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Cambodia
Agriculture plays a crucial role in the Philippine economy, providing livelihoods for millions while facing challenges such as food security, climate vulnerability, and production inefficiencies.
Background
Geographic Profile
Trade Profile
Sqm land area
Contribution of agriculture (2023)
% of labor force in agriculture (2022)
Today, both tourism and manufacturing are thriving in Cambodia. The country is emerging as a popular travel destination in Asia, while the garment industry constitutes the largest part of its manufacturing sector, accounting for 80% of the nation’s exports.
However, poverty remains widespread in rural areas. Cambodians are known for their pride and strong work ethic, doing whatever it takes to make ends meet. Despite their efforts, many families in these regions earn less than $2 per day, making it difficult to build their own drinking water wells or afford uniforms for their children to attend school.
Khmer is a major language of the Mon-Khmer subfamily within the Austroasiatic family, spoken by nearly all people in Cambodia, including the Cham-Malay. Historically, some Cambodians spoke Vietnamese and Chinese. The Katu, Mnong, and Stieng speak Mon-Khmer languages, while the Jarai and Rhadé speak Austronesian languages.
Cambodia’s climate is shaped by monsoon winds, resulting in two main seasons. The southwest monsoon from mid-May to early October brings heavy rains and high humidity, while the northeast monsoon from early November to mid-March is drier with lower humidity and infrequent rain. Temperatures range from about 82–83 °F (28 °C) in January to around 95 °F (35 °C) in April. Annual precipitation varies significantly, exceeding 200 inches (5,000 mm) in the southwestern highlands and reaching about 50–55 inches (1,270–1,400 mm) in the central lowlands, with three-fourths of rainfall occurring during the southwest monsoon.
Cambodia’s climate is shaped by monsoon winds, resulting in two main seasons. The southwest monsoon from mid-May to early October brings heavy rains and high humidity, while the northeast monsoon from early November to mid-March is drier with lower humidity and infrequent rain. Temperatures range from about 82–83 °F (28 °C) in January to around 95 °F (35 °C) in April. Annual precipitation varies significantly, exceeding 200 inches (5,000 mm) in the southwestern highlands and reaching about 50–55 inches (1,270–1,400 mm) in the central lowlands, with three-fourths of rainfall occurring during the southwest monsoon.
In 2023, Cambodia had a population of 17,423,880 with 1.3% annual population growth
In 2024, Cambodia had a US$35.72 Billion with US$2,071 GDP per capita and 6.6% GDP growth at constant prices.
In 2023, Cambodia had a US$42.34 Billion GDP with a US$2,429.7 GDP per capita and 5% annual GDP growth.
In 2020, the percentage of agricultural labor stood at 35.5%. This marks a decline from 41.5% in 2015, largely due to the increasing mechanization in agriculture, which has replaced many agricultural jobs. By 2020, more than 99% of farmland work was done using agricultural machinery, and about 85% of rice harvesting was also performed mechanically.
Agricultural Products
In the first half of 2024, Cambodia exported over 6.13 million tons of agricultural products, a 57% increase from the same period in 2023, with earnings surpassing $2.8 billion. Key exports included milled rice, paddy rice, cassava, cashew nuts, corn, fresh mangoes, longan, and pepper, reaching 80 countries.
Non-rice products accounted for over 3.86 million tons and $2.1 billion in earnings. While milled and paddy rice exports grew, products like dried cassava and fresh bananas saw declines. Although pest threats were reported, their impact on production was considered limited by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).
The government aims to enhance food security, reduce production costs, and improve agricultural product quality. To support the sector, agricultural products have been exempted from additional taxes. In the previous year, Cambodia exported 8.82 million tons of agricultural products, earning nearly $5 billion.
In January 2025, Cambodia’s total international trade reached over US$5 billion, a nearly 25% increase from January 2024. Exports accounted for about 45% of this total, valued at approximately US$2.306 billion (up 17.3%), while imports rose by 31.6% to US$2.751 billion. The trade balance showed a deficit of US$444.21 million, significantly larger than the US$123.09 million deficit in January 2024.
Top Imported Products (2023)
Top Import Partners (2023)
Agricultural Imports (2023)
Top Exported Products
Top Export Partners
Agricultural Exports
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