PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has unequivocally stated Cambodia’s readiness to engage in negotiations with the United States regarding reciprocal tariffs.
Speaking at the inauguration of the two-storey Morodok Techo Flyover in Phnom Penh’s Kbal Thnal area yesterday, the Cambodian Premier announced the formation of a dedicated working group to handle this matter. This working group is under the leadership of H.E. Sun Chanthol, the Deputy Prime Minister, and H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, the Minister of Commerce.
Prime Minister Hun Manet explicitly stated that “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.” This development follows the Cambodian government’s announcement last Friday of an immediate reduction in tariffs on 19 categories of U.S. imports and a formal request for negotiations with the U.S. concerning the implementation of tariffs on Cambodian goods.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Hun Manet has sent an official letter to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, seeking discussions in response to the U.S. administration’s imposition of a 49 percent tariff on Cambodian products, which is scheduled to take effect tomorrow, April 9, 2025.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet reiterated Cambodia’s strong commitment to engaging in constructive and productive dialogue with the U.S. government to further deepen the bilateral trade relationship, ensuring that both nations and their peoples can benefit tangibly from these significant trade ties.
In a parallel diplomatic effort, Minister of Commerce H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul has sent a letter to Ambassador H.E. Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative, requesting the establishment of a negotiation mechanism and a postponement of the tariff implementation.
She noted that this extension would provide necessary time for consultations with relevant stakeholders and a comprehensive assessment of alternative approaches that would support both U.S. economic interests and Cambodia’s sustainable development goals.