AKP Phnom Penh, April 07, 2025 --

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reaffirmed Cambodia’s readiness to engage in reciprocal tariff negotiations with the U.S.

The Royal Government has formed a working group to handle the matter, said the Cambodian Premier at the official inauguration ceremony of the two-storey Morodok Techo Flyover in Phnom Penh’s Kbal Thnal area this morning.

The working group is led by H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister, and H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce.

“H.E. Sun Chanthol and H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul will travel to the U.S. as soon as they receive the green light from the American side,” said Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet.

Last Friday, the Cambodian government announced the immediate reduction of tariffs on 19 categories of U.S. imports and formally requested negotiations with the U.S. regarding tariff implementation on Cambodian goods.

The Prime Minister also sent an official letter to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, seeking talks after the U.S. administration imposed a 49 percent tariff on Cambodian products, scheduled to take effect on April 9, 2025.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s strong commitment to engaging in constructive and productive dialogue with the U.S. government to further deepen the bilateral trade, so that both nations and peoples can enjoy the tangible benefits from these significant trade relations.

In a parallel move, H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul sent a letter to Ambassador H.E. Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative, requesting the establishment of a negotiation mechanism and a postponement of the tariff implementation. The extension, she noted, would allow time for consultations with stakeholders and a comprehensive assessment of alternative approaches that support both U.S. economic interests and Cambodia's sustainable development goals.

By Heng Panha