According to Phok Sokhen, head of Kep’s Department of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, more than 2,000 tonnes of salt were harvested in nearly the first two months of 2026, and 1,222 tonnes were sold. He described this against the backdrop of continuing border closures and suspended foreign salt imports.
Prices have risen compared with 2025. Grade 1 salt sells for 20,000–25,000 riel per sack, Grade 2 for 15,500–19,500 riel, and Grade 3 for 13,500–15,000 riel per sack.
The department head said the suspension of imports from neighbouring countries, previously an important source, had changed the domestic market. Local production also faces weather and technical challenges that may affect total output.
Some salt-field owners see higher prices as an opportunity for producers who had abandoned or suspended operations to resume. They expect this could help restore local production, reduce reliance on imports and support longer-term market stability.
Kep currently has four salt-production locations covering 294 hectares in active production, while some other salt fields remain unused.
Written by Pai Sokhim.
