PHNOM PENH: Minister of Commerce Pan Sosak requested the US Congress to continue to provide duty-free preferential tariffs (GSPs) to Cambodia for the import of clothing, footwear and travel goods to the United States.

The Minister of Commerce made the request during a meeting with a delegation from the US House of Representatives led by Jason Smith, Chairman of the United States House Committee on Ways and Means, accompanied by the US Ambassador to Cambodia, W. Patrick Murphy, on the afternoon of August 2.

Minister Pan Sosak said the continuation of GSPs to Cambodia will strengthen trade cooperation between the two countries for mutual benefit. He also called on the US Congress to encourage more US companies to invest in Cambodia to reduce the trade deficit between the two countries.

According to the US Census Bureau, Cambodia's exports to the United States totaled $12.2 billion in 2022, a 40% increase from the previous year. US exports to Cambodia were worth $449 million last year.

According to the US Embassy in Cambodia, the United States is Cambodia's largest export market and one of Cambodia's largest trading partners. Cambodia's main exports to the United States include garments, textiles, footwear and travel goods.

The US Embassy released a statement following Cambodia’s national elections last month condemning the election process as undemocratic. In response, the US said it would impose visa restrictions on those who “undermine democracy” and put a pause on certain foreign assistance programs. Embassy spokesperson Michael Greenwald told EAC News that the pause would be on new assistance activities, while it would continue to implement existing assistance programs. It is unclear whether renewing GSPs will be categorized as a new or an existing program.