(Phnom Penh): The United States (US) granted duty-free access to 154 Cambodian tariff lines, allowing a range of products to enter the US market without import duties, according to a senior official from the Ministry of Commerce.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday (Jul. 27), Sim Sokheng, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Commerce, said the exemptions were included in the United States' latest tariff revision following its Section 301 compliance investigation.

"Our products cover 154 tariff lines," Sim Sokheng said. "In addition to textiles, the list includes handicrafts such as krama, hats, and other artisan products, as well as goods made from wood waste. Certain plant and animal products are also eligible for duty-free access to the US market."

He added that the government's working group will continue engaging with US counterparts to expand the list of products eligible for zero-tariff treatment, creating more export opportunities for Cambodian businesses.

The announcement follows the United States' decision on July 23 to introduce new Section 301 tariffs on imports from 60 countries over concerns related to forced labour. The new measures replaced the temporary 10 percent global tariff introduced earlier this year, which expired on July 24.

Under the new tariff framework, Cambodia is subject to a 10 per cent tariff, lower than the 12.5 per cent rate imposed on neighbouring countries, including Thailand and Viet Nam.
=FRESH NEWS