Cambodia is taking measures to address the U.S. concern that Chinese goods were selling to the U.S. under the “made in Cambodia” label to void U.S. tariff, despite Xi Jinping’s recent visit to the country.
The Cambodia China Times reported that on May 1, Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet publicly stated that to ensure the legitimacy of goods exported to the United States, the Cambodian government will implement new measures to strictly enforce rules of origin. The aim is to prevent foreign goods from being disguised as “Made in Cambodia” and rerouted through the country for export.
According to a ministerial order issued on April 30 regarding the “Procedures for Certificate of Origin Application for Certain Goods Exported to the U.S.,” manufacturers and exporters must apply for and obtain a certificate of origin before exporting listed goods to the U.S., following standardized procedures. These procedures include initial on-site inspections, issuance of Origin Certification Letters, required documentation from exporters and manufacturers, data-sharing mechanisms among departments and agencies, and inspection protocols based on risk assessments or complaints. A total of 126 categories of goods are included on the list, covering nearly all major Cambodian exports to the U.S., including apparel and accessories, leather goods, electrical and electronic products, bicycles, furniture, and toys.
The new measures will take effect on May 12.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth and Minister Cham Nimul jointly issued another ministerial order stating that, upon request by U.S. authorities or in suspicious cases, the General Department of Customs and Excise and the Trade Support Services Directorate will conduct joint investigations.
In a separate article, the Cambodia China Times commented that garments, footwear, and travel goods are Cambodia’s most important export products, accounting for over 60 percent of the country’s total exports, whereas the majority of which are destined for the U.S. market. The government’s decision to strictly enforce rules on certificates of origin is expected to help attract more international buyers to source Cambodian-made garments.
Sources:
1. The Cambodia China Times, May 1, 2025
https://www.cc-times.com/posts/28184
2. The Cambodia China Times, May 4, 2025
https://cc-times.com/posts/28201