AKP Phnom Penh, August 01, 2025 --

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has expressed his sincere gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his sympathetic consideration of Cambodia’s future development, according to a message posted on the Prime Minister’s official social media this morning.

The Prime Minister welcomed the U.S. decision to reduce tariffs on Cambodian exports to 19 percent, down from the initial rate of 49 percent and subsequently 36 percent under Phase 1. He described the move as “good news for the Cambodian people and the national economy”, enabling Cambodia to continue its development trajectory.

“I would like to thank Honorable President Donald Trump for his personal attention in initiating and promoting a ceasefire between the Cambodian and Thai armed forces and for continuing to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire until a permanent peace and normalisation of bilateral relations is achieved,” he stated.

The Prime Minister further appreciated President Trump’s understanding of Cambodia’s challenges, which he said paved the way for strengthened economic and trade relations between the two countries.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet also revealed that during telephone conversations with President Trump on July 26 and 28, he had emphasised the importance of peace and development in Cambodia—a country that has recently emerged from centuries of internal conflict.

During the discussions, the Cambodian leader requested that the U.S. consider lowering tariffs on Cambodian exports to help boost the country’s economy and improve the living standards of its people.

According to the Prime Minister, President Trump expressed keen interest in Cambodia’s painful history and reaffirmed his willingness to support the Cambodian people in achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.

“On July 28, President Trump told me that he would review the request and it will make Cambodia happy,” said Samdech Thipadei. “Today, Honorable President decided to reduce the tariff rate on Cambodian exports to the United States to 19 percent.”

The Prime Minister also commended the Cambodian negotiation team, led by Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Sun Chanthol, for their hard work and dedication in securing the tariff reduction agreement with the United States.

By Heng Panha