Cambodian media revealed that the United States has removed Cambodia from the list of countries prohibited from arms exports. This is a significant move between the two nations after relations had been frozen for many years.
Khmertimes, a Cambodian media outlet, reported that the United States has officially decided to remove Cambodia from the list of countries banned from arms exports.
The US Department of Commerce announced on 3 February 2026 GMT+7 that Cambodia has been removed from "Country Group D:5," a category that restricts arms and military technology exports.
This decision came after the US Secretary of State assessed that Cambodia has taken a more proactive role in regional peace and security, maintains defense cooperation with the US, and shows willingness to collaborate in combating transnational crime.
The measure aligns with the White House's October 2025 decision to lift the arms sales ban to Cambodia, which had previously been viewed as militarily aligned with China.
Casey Barnett, Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (AmCham Cambodia), said this removal symbolizes US confidence in Cambodia and noted it will open opportunities for Cambodia to access advanced US technologies that could aid both security and economic development.
However, although removed from the main arms blacklist, Cambodia remains classified under Country Group D:1, meaning certain military technologies still require special import licenses due to US security concerns.
Arms trade experts estimate this change could increase export license applications for military arms and equipment to Cambodia by about 100 annually and reduce previously complicated bureaucratic procedures.
In practice, Cambodia still cannot freely access high-level weapons or sensitive technologies and remains under close US scrutiny.
. Source:Khmertimes
Click to read related news aboutCambodia