The leadership of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) meet with a delegation from the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) on May 8. CDC
The Cambodian government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to strengthening procedures to prevent and combat origin fraud and to promote transparent implementation of rules of origin for goods exported to the US.
Sun Chanthol, first vice-president of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), reiterated this commitment during a May 8 meeting with a delegation from the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC). The delegation was led by Reva Price, chairwoman of the USCC, currently on an official visit to Cambodia.
In his opening remarks, Chanthol welcomed the USCC delegation and briefed them on key information about Cambodia’s potential for foreign direct investment, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations between Cambodia and the US. This includes two recent video conferences with the US Trade Representative (USTR) and other relevant initiatives.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia has been and continues to work hard to strengthen the legal and procedural framework to prevent and combat the falsification of origin for goods and to ensure transparent compliance with origin regulations for exports to the US market,” he said.
He also highlighted the issuance of an inter-ministerial proclamation between the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Commerce concerning measures to prevent origin fraud for certain exports to the US, and another ministerial proclamation outlining procedures for applying for and issuing certificates of origin for such goods.
He described these efforts as “evidence of Cambodia’s commitment to compliance and cooperation with US partners”.
The USCC delegation expressed their appreciation and explained the mission of the USCC. It is an independent legislative body of the US tasked with monitoring, investigating and reporting to the US Congress on issues related to economic and security relations between the US and China.
They also raised concerns about trans-shipment practices, where goods may be modified in intermediate countries before being re-exported to the US with altered origin claims.
Due to the US government’s concerns over origin fraud and weak enforcement, it recently announced tariffs of up to 3,000% on solar products manufactured in Cambodia and exported to the US. The measure has not yet taken effect.
Additionally, on April 3, the administration of US President Donald Trump announced new, “reciprocal” tariffs of up to 49% on imports from Cambodia to the US, effective April 9. They were later postponed for 90 days, ostensibly to allow time for bilateral negotiations.
Chanthol and Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul will lead a Cambodian delegation to Washington, D.C., for in-person negotiations with US authorities on May 14–15, to discuss a bilateral trade agreement and address these issues.
According to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), Cambodia-U.S. trade volume in 2024 reached $10.18 billion, an 11.2% increase. Cambodian exports to the US totalled $9.9 billion (up 11.4%), while US imports totalled $264.14 million.
