CAC News
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC) was invited as a key speaker at a high-level agribusiness roundtable hosted by the Embassy of the United States of America in Phnom Penh on September 30. The event brought together stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and address challenges within Cambodia’s agricultural sector, with a focus on engaging U.S. companies in the country’s growing agribusiness market.
Representing CAC, Mr. Suy Kokthean, vice president, highlighted Cambodia’s impressive raw cashew nut (RCN) export performance. Based on unofficial figures, Cambodia exported 941,000 metric tons of RCN in the first eight months of 2025, earning an estimated USD 1.4 billion.
However, Mr. Kokthean pointed out that Cambodia’s limited cashew processing capacity prevents the country from capturing the full value of its cashew industry. “With greater investment in local processing facilities, Cambodia could boost its cashew export revenue by up to 120%, thanks to the added value of by-products,” he stated.
One major issue raised was the waste of cashew apples, which are commonly discarded on farms despite their potential. “Cashew apples can be processed into animal feed, vinegar, and liquor,” said Mr. Kokthean. “But without technical and financial support, farmers are unable to make use of this valuable resource.”
CAC is actively seeking investment in cashew by-product development, including Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL), Cashew Nut Shell Extract (CNSE), cashew apple processing, and cashew juice production. These innovations could not only reduce food waste and production costs but also make Cambodian cashew products more competitive on the international market.
The U.S. Embassy noted in an invitation letter that the roundtable served as a platform to discuss strategic priorities, emerging opportunities, and collaboration areas between Cambodian stakeholders and U.S. investors. The embassy emphasized the value of stakeholders’ insights in shaping potential U.S. partnerships in Cambodia’s vital agribusiness sector.
“We would greatly value the stakeholders’ perspectives on key areas for collaboration, emerging opportunities, and strategic priorities that could guide U.S. investment and partnership in this vital sector,” the Embassy stated.