The United States and Cambodia have commenced discussions aimed at resolving tariff-related issues and enhancing bilateral trade relations. This initiative follows a letter from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to President Donald Trump, expressing Cambodia’s commitment to engaging in trade negotiations with the U.S.​
The virtual meeting involved Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, Commerce Minister Cham Nimul, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Lee Greer. The talks focused on strategies to strengthen trade and investment cooperation between the two nations, with particular emphasis on addressing tariff concerns.​
Cambodia has been advocating for the renewal of the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for certain products, including garments, footwear, and travel goods. The GSP program, which expired in late 2020, allows for duty-free entry of eligible products into the U.
S. market, providing a significant advantage to Cambodian exporters. Renewal of the GSP would further facilitate trade and investment flows between the two countries.
In recent years, Cambodia’s exports to the U.S. have seen substantial growth, particularly in textiles, garments, and footwear. In the first ten months of 2024, Cambodia exported textiles worth 6 million, marking a 14.
5% year-on-year increase, and garments valued at $8 billion, up 23.6% from the previous year. These figures underscore the importance of the U.S. market for Cambodia’s export sector.​
Both nations are optimistic that the ongoing tariff discussions will lead to mutually beneficial outcomes, fostering a more robust and diversified trade partnership.
