EU begins procedure to suspend Cambodia trade preferences

Earlier this week (11 February), the EU started the process that could lead to the temporary suspension of Cambodia’s duty free and quota free access to the EU Single Market for all products (except arms and armaments) under the Everything But Arms (EBA) trade scheme. The procedure was launched following the “deterioration of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law in Cambodia” over the past 18 months. The EU Press Release says that the “withdrawal procedure does not entail an immediate removal of tariff preferences, which would be the option of last resort. Instead, it kicks off a period of intensive monitoring and engagement.” See EU Fact Sheet.

We reported in October 2018 that the EU had given notice of its intention to launch the process of withdrawing Cambodia from the EBA arrangement (see previous blog).