China officially opens its doors to Cambodian bird's nests

An agreement signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Cambodia on 17 and 18 April 2025 authorises the immediate export of raw or processed Cambodian swiftlet nests to Chinese markets, provided they meet hygiene and phytosanitary certification standards.

Nest treatment

This agreement is part of a broader set of 37 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering several sectors, three of which specifically target agricultural products: swiftlet nests, durians and baby crocodiles. Cambodian industry leaders have hailed the agreement as a major step forward, opening up new opportunities for processors, exporters and investors, and positioning Cambodia to meet strong Chinese demand for edible swallow nests, a delicacy prized for its health benefits and cultural significance.

Cambodian swallow nests are renowned for their high quality, attributed to the country's cleaner and greener environment compared to regional competitors such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia, where industrial pollution is more widespread.

The industry currently has between 3,000 and 5,000 swallow farms across the country, producing around 100 tonnes of nests per year.

The Cambodian government has urged swiftlet farmers and processors to modernise their facilities to comply with export standards, anticipating that Chinese demand could soon outstrip supply. The agreement is expected to attract new investment in Cambodia's swiftlet nest sector and boost the country's agricultural export earnings, which totalled around $5.3 billion in 2024.

Cambodia is expected to reap significant economic benefits from the direct export of edible bird's nests (EBN) to China, the world's largest market for this delicacy. The official opening of the Chinese market to Cambodian swiftlet nests is expected to boost the local industry, which currently produces more than 100 tonnes per year and represents more than £100 million in annual turnover.

Increased income for farmers and producers

Direct access to China is expected to lead to a substantial increase in the price of Cambodian bird nests. Currently, unprocessed nests sell for between $650 and $700 per kilogram on the local market, with processed nests fetching even higher prices. Exports to China could generate exceptional profits for farmers and family businesses that have so far suffered from low profitability.

Reduced export costs

Previously, Cambodian nests were exported indirectly via neighbouring countries, resulting in high costs and reduced profit margins. Direct exports to China will eliminate these middlemen, thereby improving the incomes of Cambodian exporters and farmers.

Attracting investment

The opening of the Chinese market is expected to stimulate investment in swiftlet houses and processing facilities. This will encourage modernisation and expansion of the sector, thereby improving product quality and production capacity.

Economic growth and export earnings

The swiftlet nest sector will contribute to Cambodia's overall economic growth by increasing agricultural export earnings. The Ministry of Commerce and industry associations expect direct exports to China to increase farmers' incomes and attract more investment in the sector.

Market stability and expansion: With official export channels to China, producers will be able to establish more stable markets and contracts, reducing volatility and promoting sustainable growth in the industry.

In summary, Cambodia's access to the Chinese market for edible swallow nests is expected to increase farmers' incomes, attract investment, reduce export costs and boost the country's agricultural export earnings, thereby promoting the overall economic development of the sector.