U.S. ends Cambodia arms ban, opens door for defence trade

U.S. ends Cambodia arms ban, opens door for defence trade

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 4, 2026 — The United States has officially removed Cambodia from its arms embargo list, a move published on Wednesday in the Federal Register, marking a significant policy shift after more than four years of restrictions tied to concerns over regional relations and governance.

The change, effective Feb. 3, reflects a final rule by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) that amends export controls to show Cambodia is no longer designated as a Country Group D:5 embargoed destination under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

The State Department’s November 7, 2025 rule, which underpins the regulatory change, said the decision to lift the embargo was based on Cambodia’s “diligent pursuit of peace and security,” including renewed defence cooperation with the United States and joint efforts to combat transnational crime.

The arms ban was first imposed in 2021 during the Joe Biden administration, mainly citing concerns about China’s growing military influence in Cambodia and issues such as human rights and governance.

Under the new policy, exports of defence articles and services to Cambodia will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, potentially opening the door to future defence trade and deeper security cooperation between the two countries.