(Phnom Penh): Australia is supporting Cambodia to strengthen its domestic cashew processing sector, aiming to increase value-added production, create jobs, and boost economic growth.

In a statement posted on social media on Friday (Aug. 7), the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh stated, “Cambodia is the world’s second-largest producer of raw cashew nuts, yet only 5 per cent of what is produced is processed in country. Without local processing, Cambodia loses over USD 125 million each year in potential revenue, while farmers and traders remain vulnerable to unstable market prices.”

The embassy said, “Australia is partnering with Olam Food Ingredients (OFI), a global agribusiness which accounts for 20-25 per cent of the global cashew market, to increase processing capacity by 80 metric tonnes per day and generate up to USD 10 million for investment in Cambodian cashew processing.”

“Australia is committed to attracting quality investments that create jobs and support businesses, helping Cambodia become economically strong and prosperous," the embassy added.

According to the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), the country exported around 1.03 million tonnes of raw cashew nuts to Viet Nam in the first half of 2026, earning about USD 1.75 billion, up 28.9 per cent year-on-year.

CAC President Uon Silot said higher raw cashew prices have encouraged traders to export more nuts, limiting supply for domestic processing while local capacity remains insufficient.
=FRESH NEWS