Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has called on the public to remain calm and place trust in the government as it addresses the implications of the United States’ recently announced reciprocal tariffs on Cambodia.
His remarks were delivered during a news release summarizing the outcomes of the weekly plenary cabinet meeting, which he chaired at the Peace Palace this morning.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the newly announced tariffs could have an impact on Cambodia’s economy but emphasized that the consequences are unlikely to be as severe as portrayed by certain social media users who aim to create public fear.
He urged Cambodians not to panic, reassuring them that the government is actively working to engage with U.S. authorities and seek a fair and appropriate resolution.
The move by the U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, includes planned reciprocal tariffs of 49 percent on Cambodian goods, 48 percent on goods from Laos, and 46 percent on those from Vietnam. The measure, announced on April 2, is part of broader efforts to reduce the U.S. trade deficit with several partner countries.
Prime Minister Hun Manet clarified that these tariffs are not retaliatory actions against countries that have imposed tariffs on the United States. Instead, they are positioned as a mechanism to address ongoing trade imbalances.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Cambodia’s economic interests and maintaining strong international trade relationships through diplomatic engagement.
