Phnom Penh, May 31, 2025 — Cambodia is poised to become one of the world’s leading cashew producers, with experts projecting production to surpass one million tons within the next three to five years. This surge comes amid stable market prices and increasing demand for Cambodian cashews, prompting a significant rise in cultivation across the country.
Mr. Suy Kokthean, Vice President of the Cashew nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), attributed the growth to the declining profitability of cassava, which has led many farmers to shift to cashew cultivation. “Cashew prices have been strong and consistent this year, attracting more growers,” he said. “Farmers have received more orders than ever before, and we are confident that Cambodia will soon become the largest producer of cashew nut globally.”
Experts estimate that Cambodia’s cashew production will reach 900,000 tons in 2025 alone, marking a dramatic increase from previous years. This growth is supported by the expanding market and improved farmgate prices, which have risen from 2,500 riel to as much as 4,000 riel per kilogram, depending on the variety.
Mr. Thy Kanit, an agricultural technician at Angkor Green Company specializing in mango, turmeric, and cashew crops, highlighted that the stable prices have increased profitability for farmers. “The consistent pricing has encouraged more farmers to switch to or expand cashew cultivation,” he noted.
In support of the sector’s development, the Cambodian government is actively promoting domestic cashew processing. Khim Finang, spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, emphasized that cashew is now one of the country’s key agricultural commodities. “Cambodia is already among the world’s top cashew producers,” he said. “With our policy to boost local processing, we aim to add more value to raw cashew production, create jobs, and increase exports of processed agricultural products.”
As Cambodia continues to invest in cashew processing and expand cultivation, it moves closer to achieving its ambition of becoming the “cashew emperor” of the global market.