Phnom Penh:Cambodia is intensifying its efforts to increase exports of cashew nuts and pepper to the European Union (EU), with a focus on meeting EU standards for quality, food safety, and traceability. These efforts are seen as a way to unlock other global markets and enhance the competitiveness of Cambodian products worldwide.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Cambodian government is actively working to promote these agricultural products, which are emerging as significant revenue generators. The popularity of Cambodian cashew nuts and Kampot pepper is rising in international markets, and the government is aiming to leverage this momentum.

The "Cambodia Cashew and Pepper Trade Forum 2026," held in Phnom Penh, highlighted the importance of the EU market. Bryan Fornari, Chargé d’Affaires at the Delegation of the EU to Cambodia, emphasized that meeting EU standards can make Cambodian products more competitive globally, not just in Europe.

Cambodia produces approximately 20,000 metric tonnes of pepper annually, with exports valued at US$31 million last year. Cashew nut production exceeded one million metric tonnes, generating export revenue of $1.5 billion in 2025. Despite these figures, domestic processing facilities are underutilized, processing only about 26 percent of their capacity.

Germany's Ambassador to Cambodia, Silke Rofer, expressed support for Cambodian exporters expanding into the European market. The forum, themed “Cambodia to the World Trading with the European Union,” is organized in partnership with the EU and Germany and runs from November 10 to 12.