Cambodia’s rubber sales reached $640 million in 2024, up 30 percent from 2023, according to an official report from Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery (MAFF).
The figures were revealed during the Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Oldest Rubber Plantation in Cambodia and the inauguration of the Techo-Thipadei Rubber Heritage Park in Thmor Pich Commune, Tbong Khmum District, Tbong Khmum Province, yesterday.
The event was presided over by Dith Tina, MAFF Minister. Prak David, Secretary of State for MAFF, Im Rachna, the ministry’s Under-Secretary of State and spokeswoman, along with many stakeholders were present on the occasion.
During the event, Tina highlighted the historical significance of Cambodia’s rubber industry. He acknowledged its critical role in the nation’s economic development and its enduring contributions over the past century.
The minister emphasized that the rubber plantation, being the first of its kind in Cambodia, represents not only a cornerstone of agricultural innovation but also a symbol of the country’s journey toward sustainable growth in agriculture.
He underlined the importance of preserving and promoting Cambodia’s agricultural heritage through initiatives like the newly inaugurated Techo-Thipadei Rubber Heritage Park. “The Park would serve as a centre for education, research, and tourism, further strengthening the role of rubber production in the region’s economy while celebrating the resilience and hard work of Cambodian farmers and laborers throughout history.”
Furthermore, old rubber trees that are no longer productive provide an important source of raw materials for rubberwood processing plants. These plants produce furniture and other high-value products, creating an additional revenue stream for rubber growers, Tina added.
Meanwhile, Khun Kakada, acting director-general of the General Directorate of Rubber at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), highlighted significant growth in Cambodia’s rubber sector over the past two decades (2000–2020).
During this period, the area under rubber cultivation expanded eightfold, from more than 50,000 hectares in 2000 to over 400,000 hectares by 2020, he said.
“Productivity also increased more than sevenfold, from over 50,000 tonnes to 350,000 tonnes annually, contributing approximately $500 million per year to the national economy,” Kakada said.
According to Kakada, Cambodia has a total of 425,443 hectares of rubber plantations, with 52 percent classified as agro-industrial rubber plantations and the remaining 48 percent, or 202,321 hectares, consisting of family-operated rubber land. Of this, 330,359 hectares – equivalent to 78 percent of the total plantation area – are currently harvestable.
“Rubber production in 2024 reached 407,209 tonnes, marking a 4 percent increase compared to 2023. Rubber sales generated $640 million, a 30.17 percent rise from 2023. The average selling price in 2024 was $1,617 per tonne, up $280 from the 2023 average price of $1,337 per tonne,” he said.
In addition to its economic impact, the rubber sector supports 140,000 workers and benefits over 420,000 dependents, including families of workers.
“The demand for rubber in Cambodia is rising sharply, fuelled by the growth of local tire manufacturers and processing plants, which currently number three and are expanding,” David said.
“This growth necessitates preparedness, particularly in developing a skilled labour force with expertise in rubber cultivation and processing to ensure the successful advancement of Cambodia’s rubber sector,” he added.
Source : khmertimeskh.com