Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Cambodian Development Council, Sun Chan to, who is leading the negotiations on equivalent tariffs between Cambodia and the United States, stated on July 8th that the United States' announcement of a 36% tariff on Cambodian exports is not the final result of the negotiations. Cambodia will continue to negotiate with the United States and strive to further reduce the tariff rate.

According to the Cambodia China Times, on the afternoon of July 8th, Sun Zhantuo, together with Cambodian Minister of Commerce Zhan Nemo and the State Secretary of the Cambodian Ministry of Finance, held a press conference to report on relevant progress and response measures.

Sun Zhantuo emphasized that Cambodia still holds the negotiating "trump card" and called on manufacturers exporting to the United States in Cambodia to remain calm, as the Cambodian government has all the capabilities to safeguard the interests of investors in Cambodia.

On July 7th, US President Trump sent a letter to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen announcing the imposition of a 36% equivalent tariff on all Cambodian products exported to the US, effective August 1st, 2025, in response to the long-standing trade deficit.

Sun Zhantuo pointed out that since Trump proposed to impose a 49% tariff on Cambodia in early April 2025, Cambodia has immediately engaged in multiple rounds of negotiations with the US Trade Representative. After efforts, the US side agreed to reduce the tariff rate from 49% to 36%, which is a milestone achievement for Cambodia.

Cambodia is the only country among the 14 countries that the Trump administration has sent synchronous letters to receive significant concessions, and some countries even face higher tax rates, "he said.

Sun Zhantuo specifically pointed out that Trump also clearly stated in his letter to Hun Manet that he is willing to continue dialogue with Cambodia and reserve further negotiation space before the tariffs officially come into effect on August 1st.

This morning (8th), I have written to the US Trade Representative expressing our willingness to travel to the US at any time or through video conferences to advance the next round of negotiations and strive for more concessions, "said Sun Zhantuo.

Sun Zhantuo also emphasized that the Cambodian side still retains key "trump cards" in the negotiations, leaving room for maneuvering in the next stage of negotiations. Prime Minister Hun Manet once specifically reminded us to keep our chips in the negotiation process, and we still have a trump card at the moment

Sun Zhantuo also affirmed the goodwill shown by the US side: "We appreciate the Trump administration's agreement to lower tariffs to 36%. Moving forward, we will continue to push for negotiations and strive for greater results

Faced with some manufacturers considering relocation due to tax rate issues, Sun Zhantuo called on investment companies and the public in Cambodia to maintain confidence and calmness.

The government has all the capabilities to safeguard the interests of investors in Cambodia. Please trust the government, we will do our utmost to protect national interests and economic stability, "Sun Zhantuo emphasized.

According to Cambodia News Agency, from January to June 2025, the Cambodian Development Council approved 373 investment projects. As of early July, this number has increased to 396 projects worth approximately $6 billion, expected to create over 271000 job opportunities.

We still have many opportunities to attract investment, "Sun Zhantuo emphasized.

He also called on overseas Cambodian migrant workers to return home and pointed out that there are employment opportunities throughout the country.

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