CAC News
Phnom Penh, May 2026 — Cambodia’s raw cashew nut (RCN) exports recorded a strong performance in the first four months of 2026, rising by 24% compared to the same period in 2025, defying earlier concerns about the negative impacts of climate change on agricultural output.
The growth comes amid challenging weather conditions, including unseasonal rainfall and extreme heat exceeding 40°C, which had initially raised fears among industry experts about potential declines in yield and quality.
Government and Industry Support Drive Growth
The surge in exports has been largely attributed to proactive measures by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, which deployed commune-level agricultural extension staffs to directly assist farmers. These officials have played a crucial role in helping farmers assess risks and adapt to climate variability through on-the-ground support.
In parallel, the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC) intensified its farmer outreach efforts. During the early harvest seasons of 2025 and 2026, CAC organized 40 climate adaptation training sessions, reaching approximately 8,400 farmers nationwide. These initiatives have been instrumental in equipping farmers with practical knowledge to manage increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.
Farmers Adopt Climate-Resilient Practices
Facing environmental pressures, many farmers have turned to cost-effective and sustainable solutions. Notably, the adoption of organic inputs or home-made such as HEM and IMOBs (Indigenous Microorganisms) foliar has helped reduce production costs while enhancing soil health and crop resilience.
These adaptive practices have enabled farmers to maintain productivity despite adverse climatic factors, contributing significantly to the sector’s overall export growth.
Export Data Highlights Strong Momentum
According to unofficial export data, Cambodia shipped a total of 831,179 tonnes of raw cashew nuts to Vietnam during the first four months of 2026, generating an estimated $1.44 billion in value, a 24.17% year-on-year increase.
Cautious Optimism from Industry Leaders
Despite the strong start to the year, Silot Uon, President of the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia, urged caution in interpreting the results.
He noted that while the first-quarter performance is encouraging, it remains too early to determine whether the upward trend will continue throughout the year, particularly given ongoing climate uncertainties.
Outlook
The early success of Cambodia’s cashew sector highlights the importance of coordinated efforts between government agencies, industry organizations, and farmers. As climate challenges persist, sustained investment in adaptation strategies and farmer support will be critical to maintaining growth and ensuring long-term resilience in the sector.