Phnom penh: Cambodia remains committed to continuing open and constructive negotiations with the United States to further reduce the current reciprocal tariff rate of 36 percent, said H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), at a press conference in Phnom Penh this afternoon.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Sun Chanthol, who led the Cambodian delegation to negotiate with the U.S., expressed appreciation to the U.S. government for its decision to lower the tariff from 49 to 36 percent. He emphasized that this reduction marks a significant achievement for Cambodia, as it secured the highest tariff reduction among the 14 countries involved, amounting to about 27 percent.
The current reduced tariff rate is scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2025, unless further negotiations lead to additional changes. Cambodia remains proactive and ready to engage in discussions to pursue a further reduction in the tariff rate. H.E. Sun Chanthol affirmed that Cambodia is prepared to participate in either in-person or online negotiations with the U.S. to advocate for a lower rate.
In his remarks, H.E. Sun Chanthol urged Cambodian businesses and stakeholders to remain calm, reassuring them of the Royal Government's capacity and commitment under the leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet to safeguard the interests of both employers and employees. He called for trust in the Royal Government's efforts to protect Cambodia's economic and trade interests.
From January to June 2025, the CDC approved 373 investment projects. By early July, this number had increased to 396 projects valued at approximately US$6 billion, with the potential to generate over 271,000 jobs. H.E. Sun Chanthol highlighted the continued opportunities for attracting investment and encouraged Cambodian migrant workers abroad to return home, noting the availability of job opportunities across the country.