Cambodia Launches Direct Sea Shipments of Rice to the Philippines

Kampot:Signature Rice, a leading rice exporter, has initiated the export of 5,000 tonnes of Cambodian rice by vessel to the Philippines from Kampot Port. This marks the first instance of rice being exported by vessel from Kampot Port, heralding the commencement of regular sea shipments to the Philippine market. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, this shipment is part of Signature Rice's plan to export a total of 15,000 tonnes in October 2026, with an additional 45,000 tonnes slated for November and December. The company aims to ship 60,000 tonnes to the Philippines during the fourth quarter of 2026. The establishment of this new direct sea route between Cambodia and the Philippines allows for larger volumes to be shipped by vessel rather than container, facilitating easier large-scale exports and enabling buyers to receive more rice in a single delivery. For 2027, Signature Rice has set a target to export approximately 100,000 tonnes to the Philippines, aiming to establish a long-term supply partnership for Cambodian rice in this market. Shipping rice in full vessels simplifies and enhances the efficiency of transport compared to container shipments, as mentioned by Mr. Chan Pich, Managing Director of Signature Rice, on October 3. The Philippines is a significant rice market in the region, with imports projected to reach about 5.5 million tonnes in 2026. From January to August 2026, Cambodia exported 122,102 tonnes of rice to the Philippines, with full-year exports anticipated to reach approximately 209,446 tonnes, according to the Cambodia Rice Federation. This vessel shipment represents another step in expanding Signature Rice's international markets and aligns with the Royal Government's objective of exporting one million tonnes of milled rice. It also coincides with the ongoing agricultural cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines, based on a memorandum of understanding signed in Manila in February 2025 by H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Philippine Agricultu re Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.