Source: https://rivet.global/blog/cambodia-garment-exporters-us-tariffs-2025
Published: 2026-10-24 · Updated: 2026-10-24 · By Rashidatou K.

# Cambodian garment and footwear exporters after the 2025 US tariffs

The US set a 19 percent tariff on most Cambodian goods in 2025. What it means for garment, footwear and travel goods exporters, buyers' terms and dollar payments.

## Key takeaways

- Under a 2025 arrangement, most Cambodian goods entering the US face a 19 percent tariff.
- The US brand or importer of record pays the duty; factories often face pressure to share it through prices.
- Cambodia's economy is heavily dollarised, so factories invoice and receive in US dollars.
- Origin documents matter, as the US scrutinises goods suspected of being transshipped.

A Phnom Penh footwear factory makes trainers for a US sportswear brand. When the US announced steep tariffs on Cambodian goods in 2025, orders froze. The two governments then agreed a 19 percent rate for most Cambodian goods. Orders resumed, with the brand asking the factory to absorb part of the increase.

## The tariff

Under the 2025 arrangement, most Cambodian goods entering the US pay a 19 percent tariff. Garments, footwear and travel goods are the core of Cambodia's exports, and the US is the largest market.

## Who pays

The brand or importer of record pays US duty. In practice, brands negotiate prices with factories to share the cost. Factory margins are thin, so the outcome matters.

## Origin

The US scrutinises goods it suspects were made elsewhere and routed through Southeast Asia. Cambodian factories should keep production records, input invoices and certificates of origin that show substantial manufacturing in Cambodia.

## Dollars

Cambodia's economy is heavily dollarised. Factories invoice and receive US dollars and pay many costs in dollars, including wages. That removes most exchange rate risk with US buyers. The costs that remain are long payment terms and international transfer fees.

## Terms

Brands often pay 30 to 90 days after shipment. Factories manage cash with advances where possible, trade finance and credit insurance.

## Paying into Cambodia: the local rail

| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Local rail | Bakong |
| Run by | National Bank of Cambodia |
| Settlement | Seconds, 24/7, in riel or US dollars |

Source: [National Bank of Cambodia: Bakong](https://bakong.nbc.gov.kh/). Checked when this guide was last updated; the scheme's own page has the current figures.

## Where Rivet fits

Rivet opens business accounts for registered companies after verification, including Cambodian companies, subject to National Bank of Cambodia rules. Approved companies get US account details in their own name on every plan, so US brands can pay by ACH, and payouts in 120+ countries. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds.

## Questions

### What tariff applies to Cambodian goods in the US?

Under the 2025 arrangement, most Cambodian goods face 19 percent. Check your product with a customs broker.

### Who pays the tariff?

The US importer of record, usually the brand, though price negotiations often share the cost.

### Do Cambodian factories invoice in dollars?

Yes. Cambodia's economy is heavily dollarised and garment exports are priced in US dollars.

### Why does origin matter?

The US applies higher rates to goods it considers transshipped. Production records and certificates of origin show where goods were made.