Cambodia earned over USD 77 million from rubber and rubberwood exports in the first two months of 2022, according to the General Directorate of Rubber (GDR). Of that, rubber exports accounted for more than USD 76 million, while rubberwood contributed USD 355,946.
Rising Output and Exports
In February 2022, Cambodia exported 48,509 tons of natural rubber — up 6% year-on-year. Exports of rubberwoodalso surged 66% to 808 cubic meters.
However, the average rubber price slightly decreased by USD 2 per ton, to USD 1,585/ton.
The country currently has 404,044 hectares of rubber plantations, including 310,193 ha under tapping and 93,851 ha of immature trees still in the growing phase.
Agriculture as a Growth Driver
During a recent working session with the General Directorates of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rubber, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Veng Sakhon emphasized that agriculture remains a key pillar in driving Cambodia’s socioeconomic development, rural growth, and poverty reduction.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) reported ongoing efforts to increase rubber productivity, expand smallholder rubber areas, and implement the Strategic Development Plan for Natural Rubber up to 2030 — aimed at improving management and ensuring sustainable growth for Cambodia’s rubber sector.
Expanding Export Markets
According to Him Aun, Director General of the GDR, the rise in rubber exports is mainly due to increased cultivation areas and improved yields.
Cambodia’s main rubber export destinations include China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, India, and the European Union — with China and Vietnam remaining the two largest buyers.