US Lifts Arms Export Restrictions on Cambodia in S | RSS.com
The lifting of US restrictions on arms exports to Cambodia has been described as a significant symbol of renewed American confidence in the country, according to the head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia.
Casey Barnett said the decision by the United States Department of Commerce marked an important turning point in bilateral relations and opened the door for Cambodia to legally access advanced American technology in the future.
Writing on social media, Casey Barnett said the move created a major opportunity for Cambodia to engage more fully and lawfully with United States suppliers of high end technology and defence related equipment.
He said he was currently in Singapore holding meetings with American aviation and defence companies, encouraging them to consider supplying high quality products that could support Cambodia’s security and economic development.
On February 3, 2026, the United States Department of Commerce, through its Bureau of Industry and Security, issued a final rule amending the Export Administration Regulations. The amendment removed Cambodia from Country Group D Five, a category that included countries subject to US arms export restrictions.
According to the same announcement, the removal of Cambodia’s designation formally ended all restrictions related to arms sanctions, effective from February 3, 2026.
The decision follows a broader shift in United States policy after Donald Trump witnessed the signing of a Cambodia Thailand peace agreement on October 26, 2025. Following that event, the White House announced the lifting of the arms embargo on Cambodia, along with an expansion of training opportunities for Cambodian officials at United States military academies, including West Point and the Air Force Academy.
The statement also confirmed the resumption of joint military exercises between the two countries, known as Angkor Sentinel.
Observers note that Cambodia United States relations over the past three decades have often been strained, particularly since Cambodia suspended joint military drills with the United States in 2017. Ties deteriorated further in 2019 after the demolition of US funded facilities at Ream Naval Base.
The latest move is seen as a significant step toward rebuilding cooperation after years of tension.
