Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 5 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged that the United States has been incurring significant losses from imports around the world, as reflected in its growing trade deficit.

The premier spoke during the weekly plenary meeting on 4 April 2025 at the Peace Palace.

Samdech Thipadei noted that this situation has led the Trump administration to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries with which the United States has substantial trade deficits.

Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam will be subject to new import tariffs of 49 per cent, 48 per cent, and 46 per cent, respectively. These rates correspond to the trade deficits the US has recorded with these countries—97 per cent with Cambodia, 95 per cent with Laos, and 90 per cent with Viet Nam.

The statement clarified that these tariffs are not retaliatory measures against tariffs imposed by those countries on US imports. Instead, they are reciprocal in nature, set at half the level of the US trade deficit with each respective country.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet affirmed that the Royal Government of Cambodia will engage in negotiations with the US to seek an appropriate and constructive solution.

The premier acknowledged that while the issue may have some impact on Cambodia, it is not as severe as certain social media users have portrayed. In this regard, the premier called on the public to remain calm and place trust in the government’s ability to manage and resolve the situation.
=FRESH NEWS