Cambodia and the United States recently completed four days of trade negotiations in Washington, holding in-depth discussions on a reciprocal trade agreement but not yet announcing a final outcome.
According to the Cambodian government, Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, chairman of the Cambodia–U.S. Trade and Investment Coordination Committee, and Commerce Minister Cham Nimul led Cambodia’s delegation, while U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer led the American side. Both sides acknowledged progress in earlier rounds and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade and economic relations.
Cambodia said the talks focused on reducing U.S. tariffs on Cambodian exports, particularly seven categories including garments, footwear and travel goods. These industries support about 1 million jobs in Cambodia and are important to its economy. Cambodia argued that the products do not directly compete with U.S. industries and that lower tariffs would attract more investors to establish factories in Cambodia.
The United States had earlier reduced its reciprocal tariff on Cambodian goods from 49% to 19%, while Cambodia removed all tariffs on U.S. imports to promote more balanced trade.
Cambodia hoped to complete the agreement’s text by the end of October and announce the outcome before President Trump attended the ASEAN summit.
The United States remains Cambodia’s largest export market. Customs data showed that in 2025’s first eight months, Cambodia’s exports to the United States reached US$8.31 billion, up 23.2% year on year, while imports were US$243 million, up 39.8%.
The negotiations were seen as an important point in bilateral economic ties and as reflecting Cambodia’s efforts to seek fairer, mutually beneficial cooperation amid changes in global trade.
Compiled reporting by this station.
