The Royal Government of Cambodia has announced an immediate tariff reduction on 19 categories of U.S. product imports and has formally requested negotiations with the United States regarding the upcoming tariff increase on Cambodian goods.
In a letter addressed to U.S. President Donald J. Trump on April 4, 2025, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet expressed concern over the U.S. administration’s recent announcement to impose a 49 percent tariff on Cambodian imports, effective April 9, 2025. He urged the U.S. government to postpone the implementation and engage in negotiations at the earliest opportunity.
“I would like to inform Your Honorable President that the existing practice of Cambodia’s maximum tariff rate tops at 35 percent,” Prime Minister Hun Manet wrote. “In expression of our good faith and in the spirit of strengthening our bilateral trade relations, Cambodia is committed to promote U.S.-based product imports with an immediate reduction of 19 product categories from our maximum 35 percent tariff bound rate to a 5 percent applied tariff rate.”
The Cambodian leader emphasized the importance of continued dialogue to enhance economic cooperation, reaffirming Cambodia’s strong commitment to a constructive partnership with the U.S. that delivers mutual benefits.
Meanwhile, Minister of Commerce H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul also sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, echoing the Prime Minister’s message. She called for the establishment of a formal negotiation mechanism and requested an extension of the tariff deadline to allow more time for consultations with stakeholders and the exploration of alternative solutions.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Government of Cambodia, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the U.S. government for the continued support and excellent cooperation in all sectors for these 75 years of our diplomatic relations,” she wrote. “Cambodia deeply values its longstanding relationship with the United States, which has been built on mutual respect, shared interests, and constructive engagement. Most of Cambodia’s exports to the U.S. are complementary to U.S. goods and industries.”
The Cambodian government hopes that these efforts will pave the way for a fair and mutually beneficial resolution that supports sustainable economic development.
