EU Ends Duty-Free Access for Certain Cambodian Imports

Due to human rights concerns, the European Union officially ended preferential import treatment on a range of Cambodian products, an Aug. 12 notice said. The move, set in motion in February, will affect about 20% of Cambodia’s exports to the EU, the notice said, which will now be subject to the EU’s general tariffs instead of the previous duty-free access. The move is expected to affect about $1 billion worth of Cambodian exports (see 2003030020), including garments, footwear and travel goods.

In a statement, EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan said the EU will restore Cambodia’s preferential treatment if the country’s human rights abuses are addressed. “We have provided Cambodia with trade opportunities that let the country develop an export-oriented industry and gave jobs to thousands of Cambodians,” but “our continued support [during the COVID-19 circumstances] does not diminish the urgent need for Cambodia to respect human rights and labour rights,” Hogan said.