Casey Barnett, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia posing with a display of US aviation and defence technology in Singapore, on Feb 3. - Casey Barnett
PHNOM PENH: The US has formally lifted its arms embargo on Cambodia, a policy shift effective Feb 3, 2026. The move was widely seen as an indication of improved relations between the two nations during the presidency of Donald Trump.
The embargo lift is intended to foster deeper defence ties and address shared security challenges in South-East Asia, with the US seeking support for the Free Indo-Pacific strategy.
The move was initially announced by the White House in October last year and was implemented through amendments to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) by the Department of State on Nov 7, 2025.
It aligns US export controls under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), signalling a thaw in relations after decades of restrictions, according to the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security document, released on Feb 2.
“The Nov 7, 2025, rule specifies that the Secretary of State made a determination to lift the embargo on defence trade with Cambodia based on Cambodia’s diligent pursuit of peace and security, including through renewed engagement with the US on defence cooperation and combating transnational crime,” it said.
Cambodia remains subject to certain EAR restrictions, such as those on military end-uses, but the overall policy is now more permissive. The removal could be effective in streamlining trade and security partnerships, according to the same document.
Experts view this as a strategic pivot under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, which prioritises exports that advance US foreign policy goals like countering regional threats.
Cambodia's placement in Country Group D:1 maintains scrutiny on sensitive transfers, ensuring safeguards against misuse.
“This is a significant symbol of US confidence in Cambodia, and that Cambodia has cooperation on military issues. The lifting of this arms embargo opens the way for the Kingdom to purchase advanced American technology,” said Casey Barnett, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (AmCham).
“Today, I am in Singapore to meet with American aviation and defence companies, encouraging them to sell their high-quality products to help Cambodia's security and economy,” he added, posting with defence equipment on display. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
