American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia: US exports to Cambodia increase 96% after Cambodia imposes zero tariffs on US goods

American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia: US exports to Cambodia increase 96% after Cambodia imposes zero tariffs on US goods

Casey Barnett, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia, has stated that after Cambodia and the United States implemented a new tariff, with Cambodia imposing zero tariffs on American goods imported into Cambodia, US exports to Cambodia increased by 96% and increased by 54 types of products.

Speaking via social media, Mr Barnett said ‘In August 2025, Cambodia granted the right to the United States to export all U.S. produced goods to Cambodia duty-free as a favor to reduce the U.S. “reciprocal tariff”. Cambodia has faced tariffs of up to 49%, threatening Cambodia’s export production sector. 38% of Cambodia’s exports are exported to the United States.

Because of this change, U.S. exports to Cambodia increased 96% compared to last year for August to December. U.S. exports increased by 54 out of 85 product categories. The most remarkable thing is the 9 times increase in the number of refined petroleum products. The rise is also driven by the need to break risks and divert from Thai petroleum products due to Thailand’s ongoing invasion of Cambodia.

Similarly, some dairy imports have shifted from Thailand to the US. Other significant increases include surging U.S. vehicle imports, plastics, paper, fiber for textiles, food products and machines/machinery.

The negotiated agreement is more biased and favorable to the United States, but in fact, in 2024 Cambodia exported 12 goods to the United States. 7 billion dollars while imports are only 300 million dollars. Part of this difference arises from the lack of purchasing power of Cambodians to shop American goods. But the other part is due to Cambodia’s product licensing process and other requirements, which prevents US goods from reaching the Cambodian market.

A large part of the “mutual trade agreement” between the U.S. and Cambodia is devoted to measures requiring Cambodia to improve governance. For example, the agreement requires Cambodia to create an independent labor court, promote draft regulations, promote all official fees for public services, and fight fraud. Although these terms are required by the US, the primary benefit of such terms most go to Cambodia.”

khmertimeskh