In a significant move for its aviation and trade sectors, Air Cambodia is set to purchase ten Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with an option to acquire an additional ten. Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol made the announcement on August 1.
This development follows a new trade agreement between
Cambodia and the United States. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
confirmed on July 30 that the two nations had reached a trade deal. Concurrently,
on July 31, the United States reduced its countervailing duties on Cambodian
goods to 19 percent.
In response to the tariff reduction from the U.S.,
Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol confirmed the Boeing aircraft purchase. The
first deliveries of the new aircraft are anticipated by 2031. Furthermore,
Cambodia has reciprocated by establishing a zero-percent tariff on all goods
imported from the United States.
Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his gratitude to
the U.S., particularly to President Donald Trump, for the favorable tariff
adjustment. He also thanked President Trump for his intervention in helping to
secure a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.
Within the ASEAN bloc, Cambodia's new 19 percent
tariff rate is comparable to that of Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and
Malaysia. Vietnam faces a 20 percent tariff, while Brunei is subject to a 25
percent rate. The highest tariffs in the region are applied to Laos and Myanmar
at 40 percent, whereas Singapore continues to have a base tariff of 10 percent.