Cambodia exported 209,733 metric tonnes of rubber, generating $328.3mn in revenue during the January-August period of 2024, marking a 15.5% increase from $284.1mn in the same period last year, according to a report from the General Directorate of Rubber released on September 17.

Khun Kakada, acting director-general of the General Directorate of Rubber at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), confirmed the growth, noting that the export volume rose by 2.23% compared to the previous year. “Cambodia exported 209,733 tonnes of rubber, an increase of 4,565 tonnes compared to the same period in 2023, and earned over $328.3mn in revenue,” Kakada said.

In August alone, Cambodia exported 35,818 metric tonnes, up 7.68% from the previous month and 5% higher than August 2023. The average price of rubber latex was $1,565 per tonne during the first eight months, $180 higher than last year. The country’s main export markets include Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and China. The Ministry of Agriculture also released a video on September 17 showcasing Cambodia’s oldest rubber farm, located in Chob village, Tboung Khmum province.

The site, known as the 'Chob' rubber farm, is a historic location for the industry. Kakada highlighted the ministry’s plans to improve infrastructure at the farm, aligning with Agriculture Minister Dith Tina’s vision to develop the area into a rubber plantation and tourist attraction. The site is also key to research on rubber genetics, having already produced two rubber clones. As part of its initiatives, the ministry plans to hold Cambodia’s first national rubber tapping contest and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the country’s oldest rubber tree in November. The Chob plantation, home to 448 old rubber trees across 14 hectares, is critical for identifying high-yield rubber varieties suitable for Cambodia’s agricultural conditions.