An increase in international rubber prices drove the Kingdom’s export rubber earnings up by almost one fifth in the first four months of the year.

The export of rubber latex and rubberwood saw Cambodia earn nearly $150 million from Jan-Apr, a rise of over 18% compared to the same period last year. The increased total comes as domestic demand from tyre manufacturing companies continues to grow.

A recent report from the General Directorate of Rubber – under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries – showed that from January to April, Cambodia produced 81,962 tonnes of rubber latex, a decrease of 5,171 tons or 5.9% compared to the same period in 2024.

The Kingdom exported 76,467 tonnes of rubber latex, a decline of 8,961 tons or 10.5% compared to the same period in 2024, generating revenue of $148.18 million from latex and $1.69 million from rubberwood (6,929 cubic metres).

The data revealed however, that in April alone, rubber latex output reached 17,882 tonnes — an increase of 13,127 tonnes or 276% compared to March 2025, and a rise of 1,642 tonnes or 10.1% over April last year.

The average price of rubber latex in April 2025 was $1,989 per tonne, down $89 or 4.71% from March, but up $457 or 29.84% compared to April 2024, when the price was $1,532 per tonne.

Ken Oudomonysinat, CEO of Sailun Tire Cambodia, a tyre manufacturer located in the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ), told The Post on May 16 that rubber prices in both the domestic and international markets have been rising for more than a year now. He added that the continuous opening of tire factories in Cambodia has contributed to improving the domestic market.

He also stated that rubber latex in Cambodia currently averages over $1,900 per tonne, slightly higher than the same period in 2024. Rubber prices may continue to increase in the future.

“The demand for rubber latex from domestic tyre manufacturing companies has been increasing steadily and is expected to continue rising in the future, as the number of operating and under-construction tyre factories in Cambodia is now seven,” he added.

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Reporter: Hin Pisei

Publication date: 16 May 2025

Source: The Phnom Penh Post