PHNOM PENH — Economic engagement between Cambodia and the United States is strengthening, highlighted by growing trade figures, zero-tariff treatment on 154 product lines, and active interest from major American companies looking to expand investment in the Kingdom.
According to the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia, total trade between Cambodia and the U.S. reached more than 7.4 billion dollars in the first half of 2026, marking a 31.4 percent increase year-on-year. During the same six-month period, Cambodia exported approximately 7.17 billion dollars worth of goods to the U.S. market, representing a 29.8 percent increase compared to the previous year.
A key contributor to trade growth is the tariff exemption granted to Cambodia following the United States’ revision of its new tariff rates under the Section 301 Trade Compliance Investigation. Speaking at a press conference at the Council for the Development of Cambodia, Ministry of Commerce Secretary of State Sim Sokheng confirmed that 154 customs tariff lines of Cambodian exports now enjoy zero import duties in the U.S. market.
These duty-free items include textiles, as well as various handicrafts such as Krama scarves and hats, wood waste products, and certain plants and animals. Working teams from the Ministry are continuing to explore other potential products to secure further zero-tariff access.
In tandem with expanding trade, U.S. corporate interest in Cambodia is rising. The Council for the Development of Cambodia ranked the United States among the top ten foreign investors in the country for the first semester of 2026.
During a courtesy meeting with Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen at the Senate’s Solidarity Palace in Phnom Penh, Brian D. McFeeters, President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, expressed strong interest on behalf of more than 180 member companies in expanding investment in the Kingdom. Mr. McFeeters noted that improving bilateral relations have created favorable conditions for business, with Cambodia emerging as a key destination for American firms exploring ASEAN opportunities.
The visiting U.S. delegation included representatives from major multinational corporations such as Ford, SC Johnson, and Coca-Cola, alongside other American companies seeking to evaluate new investments and scale existing operations.
Senate President Hun Sen welcomed the delegation, reaffirming that trade, economic cooperation, and investment remain the cornerstone of Cambodia-U.S. relations. He highlighted that U.S. investments are increasingly directed toward key sectors supporting long-term development, including logistics, healthcare, education, and technology, which foster innovation and sustainable economic growth. Both sides expressed optimism for continued expansion in bilateral trade and investment in the years ahead.