United States: Oknha Bantit Lay Chhunhua, President of the Cambodian Rice Federation (CRF), believes that the US market has great potential, with Cambodian rice exports to the US reaching 100,000 tons per year in the next 10 years.
In an interview with Deum Ampil News Agency on the occasion of leading a delegation of Cambodian rice companies to attend the Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center in New York City, USA, Oknha Bandit Lay Chhunhua, President of the Cambodian Rice Federation (CRF) and CEO of City Rice Import Export Company, said that this year, 10 Cambodian rice companies came to the United States to study the American market, meet with buyers and distributors, and seek new business opportunities.
In the first half of 2026, Cambodia exported approximately 6,000 to 7,000 tons of rice to the United States, he said. Mr. Lay Chhunhour believes that this market has great potential and that in the next 10 years, Cambodian rice exports to the United States could reach at least 100,000 tons.
At the same time, the president of the Rice Federation sees the Summer Fancy Food Show as a great platform that provides an opportunity for sellers and buyers to meet in person, build networks and find new business partners.
The event also helps Cambodian exporters learn about US consumer preferences, packaging, selling prices and distribution systems. After the exhibition, a delegation of Cambodian rice companies plans to visit the Port of Los Angeles and supermarkets to learn about the transportation system, imports and the actual market situation in the United States.
In the same interview, Oknha Bantit Lay Chunhua also urged all exporters and rice mill owners to continue to improve quality and food safety standards, as the United States is a large market with great potential, but also has high standards and strict requirements.
The president of the federation also encouraged all companies to obtain international certificates such as GMP, BRCGS or SQF to help facilitate entry into the US market and reduce other obstacles, and encouraged Cambodian companies to participate in international exhibitions in the US more often, such as the Summer Fancy Food Show, Expo West, Expo East and other events.
He claimed that Cambodia has just started entering this market, so there is no shortcut to success. We need to continue to study the market, build networks, meet distributors, and understand customer needs. I believe that if we continue to work hard, Cambodian rice will be more successful in the US market.
In addition, Mr. Lay Chhunhua raised some important points, emphasizing that if Cambodian companies want to be successful in the US market, they must pay attention to complying with US food safety regulations and standards. While Cambodian companies have done a good job in growing, processing, and packaging high-quality rice, the next step is to fully implement international standards. When those requirements can be met, the business opportunities in the US market are huge.
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