EU Revokes Cambodia's Preferential Tariff Treatment Due to Human Rights Objections

The European Commission revoked some tariff preferences granted to Cambodia due to objections over human rights violations “enshrined” in Cambodia’s laws, the commission said in a Feb. 12 press release. The preferential tariffs will be replaced by EU standard tariffs and will affect certain garments, footwear, travel goods and sugar. The change will impact about one-fifth of Cambodia’s yearly exports to the EU, the press release said. The change will take effect Aug. 20 unless the European Parliament or Council objects. In a statement, Commission Vice President Josep Borrell said the preferential tariffs will be reinstated if Cambodian authorities “take the necessary measures.”

China’s Foreign Ministry said it disagrees with the EC’s decision and “opposes using trade measures” to “interfere” in other countries’ internal affairs. “We support the Cambodian government and people in upholding their country's sovereignty, independence and dignity,” a ministry spokesperson said during a Feb. 12 press conference.