Cambodia Clarifies New US Tariff Rate: Not an Addition to Existing 19%

The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) held a press conference on July 27, 2026, to clarify the new tariff rates on imports to the United States, stating that they are not an addition to the existing 19% reciprocal tariff. This new tariff measure is being implemented as part of a compliance investment under US domestic law. According to the CDC's announcement, this new 10% tariff rate, imposed by the US on imports from Cambodia, is separate from the previously existing 19% reciprocal tariff. This means the total tariff rate on exports from Cambodia to the US should be understood as a separate measure, rather than an additional 10% on top of the 19%. This clarification was made in response to concerns among Cambodian exporters and related industries regarding a potential increase in tariff burdens. The CDC indicated its commitment to working closely with relevant authorities to minimize the impact of this measure on Cambodia's export competitiveness. Trade relations with the United States hold significant importance for the Cambodian economy, particularly for labor-intensive industries such as apparel and footwear, which heavily rely on access to the US market. The CDC's clarification on tariff rates may offer some reassurance to exporters, but continued monitoring of export trends will be necessary.