Minutes after President Trump read out the reciprocal tariffs on April 3, all hell broke loose in most economies across the globe. Cambodia was imposed a staggering 49 percent tariffs. Trumpism at its worst – was what some leading economists told Khmer Times. In a way, they are not entirely wrong. But since then, two principal developments took place: One, Cambodia and the United States started negotiating to find an amicable way out. Two, as some avid watchers suggest, what if talks fail or what options are left with the Royal Government to address the crisis? It’s the latter that today’s Explainer discusses. As one of the top priorities, Cambodia must step up its economic diversification with a leading thinker suggesting that the Kingdom will have to focus on FDI emerging mostly from non-Chinese sources. Future diversification from intra-sectoral specialisation, or diversification within sectors, will make Cambodia more resilient, and “less heavy reliance on the US market alone”. An independent Cambodia can well bargain with the mighty US, but only to a certain degree.

Early this month, Cambodia, along with 90 other nations, woke up to shocking news. US President Donald Trump’s sweeping reciprocal tariffs left the economies of many countries in mayhem.

A staggering 49 percent tariffs were imposed on Cambodia’s exports to the world’s largest economy.

For months, since President Trump assumed office, discussions on tariff onslaught dominated the meetings of ministries concerned and intellectuals in Phnom Penh, yet hardly anyone expected Cambodia to become one of the worst victims.

The impact of the Trumpism shock was so widespread that not only it was felt by the policymakers, entrepreneurs, diplomats or SME owners but also trickled down to the semi-skilled workers employed by the textiles, footwear and travel goods sector – one of the largest labour segments in the country estimated to be hosting nearly a million.

What will happen to Cambodia’s economy now? Will it affect the GDP growth? What about the LDC graduation that is scheduled to happen in 2029? Why did Trump take this step? Is Cambodia’s strong bilateral, diplomatic and economic ties with China the reason? Multiple questions continue to fill the air, though there seems to be no specific one-size-fits-all answer.

Making of Trumpism

Speaking to Khmer Times, Vikas Reddy, a researcher in economics and international relations at Ohio University, said Trump took the decision after believing his conservative advisors to boost the manufacturing sector and win over his core electorate.

“If you look at the people who voted in blocks to Trump, you can easily find that all Caucasians, African Americans, Asians and Latinos, who just had a high-school diploma or lower stood as his firm supporters. And this is his core electorate, who once formed the major working class in the manufacturing sector, be it automobiles, steel or electronics.

“With these tariffs in, Trump and his advisors believe that there will be a revival in the local manufacturing, boosting the goodwill of tycoon-turned President.”

Vikas said Trump also want to settle scores with Jerome Powell, who has refused to reduce interest rates citing inflation despite the President asking him multiple times to do so. “It’s more of an internal political battle than an external battle. Tariffs will certainly further fuel inflation, which has remained a great headache for the Fed Reserve in the last few years.

“Trump wants to end quantitative tightening and this is one of the ways to force Powell to do so.”

Vikas also singled out the ‘DOGE’ factor. DOGE is a new advisory body created by Trump and led by Elon Musk, the world’s richest man who has been tasked with cutting US government jobs and other spending. Elon Musk has repeatedly said that he remains confident about DOGE finding $1 trillion in savings, slimming current total federal spending levels of about $7 trillion down to $6 trillion.

“Tariffs are supposed to generate $700 billion, though there are opposing claims, every year. And this would contribute towards reducing the fiscal deficit as envisaged by the DOGE.

“And the most important thing Trump and his team have done here is a policy gamble carried out to impress the middle-income population of the US though a growing number of American middle class now work in the services sector. It is an effort to make them believe that manufacturing jobs are returning to the US. Whether it will return or not is a different question though. The team also acknowledges that a strong manufacturing sector is highly essential to maintain the US military dominance, which is now being challenged by the Chinese might.”

“I think there are also some game theorists in Trump’s team, who believe in ‘escalation dominance’, which is a nation’s ability to control the escalation of a conflict, ensuring it can escalate or de-escalate the situation to its advantage. The concept is widely applied in geo-political and economic aspects. However, we have to wait until we find who will emerge as the winner of ‘escalation dominance’.”

Effect on Cambodia

What will be the effect on the Kingdom if these higher rates of tariffs are imposed? If implemented in full measures, it will have a direct impact on Cambodia’s GDP, reducing it by $1.5 billion in the very first year, according to reliable sources attached to the Royal Government of Cambodia.

“There is a high risk for factory closures and factory relocations within the textiles, apparel, footwear and travel goods sector, leading to huge job losses. Altogether, it will reduce the country’s domestic consumption while citizens engage in extra spending on foreign goods.

“Also hit by tariffs, Vietnam will definitely face a slowdown, adversely affecting the exports of raw materials from Cambodia. There will be a substantial decrease in Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) with investors delaying projects due to uncertainty.

“A conservative prediction puts the decline in GDP between 0.3 percent and 6 percent. US tariffs will disrupt Cambodia’s preferential trade advantages.”

The sources also revealed that the Royal Government has been advised by experts and industry specialists to suspend taxes for factories to retain operations and pay workers. “Call to reduce electricity charges for factories and simplifying customs procedures for US shipments are among the advices placed before the government.”

“The country also needs to embrace structural reforms with major transformation in the logistics sector. It should focus on diversification leveraging free trade agreements and upstream integration to meet rules of origin.”

The sources emphasised that the tariffs will cripple low-margin businesses as well as agriculture. “It could also lead to a rise in Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) along with high levels of unemployment due to large-scale factory closures.”

The way forward

The Royal Government will have to implement many measures to overcome the crisis, though the 90-day pause by Trump offers some relief for the country.

The Ministry of Commerce has said that a special committee has been set up under the leadership of Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, to negotiate with the US Trade Department over possible tariff reductions.

The Kingdom will have to implement many measures including short-term tax holidays, cash injections and energy subsidies to prevent layoffs across industries. Renewable energy adoption, streamlining logistics and boosting E-Governance will have to be put on a fast lane.

Speaking to Khmer Times, Dr Jayant Menon, a visiting senior fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute) in Singapore, earlier said, the focus on tariff war is likely to shift from ‘Made in China’ to ‘Made by China’.

“Cambodia will have to focus on FDI emerging mostly from non-Chinese sources. President Trump is likely to continue the trend that started with the recent measures announced by President Biden, which target ownership and nationality rather than the location of firms, in determining who to penalise.”

He emphasised that the Kingdom must make economic diversification one of its top priorities. “A key constraint in Cambodia is the lack of diversification of the economy, which has not affected the rapid pace of economic growth but only its inclusiveness and sustainability.

“The early phase of economic diversification involving rural-urban migration from the agricultural sector into the industrial and services sector may be reaching its limit.”

Jayant noted that future diversification will have to come from intra-sectoral specialisation, or diversification within sectors. “This involves the shift into higher value-added products and activities within the industrial, services and agricultural sectors.

“Unlike the early phase of industrialisation, this process is unlikely to happen naturally and will require government intervention and policy reforms. There are two major constraints that need to be addressed to enable greater intra-sectoral diversification in order to broaden the composition of exports.

“Efforts are needed to ensure that export markets are diversified so that there is less heavy reliance on the US market alone.

“The EU and other regional markets can definitely absorb exports from a small country like Cambodia. But it will take time.”

Economist Darin Duch said Cambodia should focus on its inherent advantages to overcome the crisis. “Although global tariff policies changes may affect consumer sentiments, Cambodia is making sure to keep its commitments to offer an open and predictable investment climate.

“To the contrary, many companies still see in the country its strategic importance, owing both to its population of young workers, advantageous geography, and reforms to improve the ease of doing business.

“In particular, Cambodia has been stepping up efforts to diversify its economy, especially in emerging industries (electronics, agro-processing and services) in order to help mitigate the risks of short-term impacts by global trade shifts. And they are actively negotiating for trade deals, including with important partners like the United States.

“Simultaneously, investments to enhance productivity, such as in skills development, digital infrastructure, and trade facilitation, are being stepped up. All of these efforts combined should help make Cambodia more competitive and keep its exports appealing amid changing global trade landscapes.”

The economist pointed out that in the medium to long term, Cambodia’s ongoing emphasis on industrial diversification and infrastructure development should underpin and broaden investment from global partners in line with the Kingdom’s strong commitment to an open, rules-based multilateral trading system.

“Despite the US and China being Cambodia’s trading partners, Cambodia is manoeuvring sharply to deepen regional and bilateral trade agreements and secure access to the markets. This can be seen in agreements such as the Cambodia-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the countries’ entrance into the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and continued trade dialogues with the European Union and others.

“Asean is still a pillar of Cambodia’s trade an economic policy. Cambodia should continue to pursue to promote intra-Asean trade by continuing to closely cooperate with sub-regional partners to improve supply chain integration, standard harmonisation and utilise the RCEP framework to the fullest.

“Such deeper integration in the region, this advanced level of economic cooperation, will offer diversification of markets, more developed logistics, and collective resilience to external shocks.”

Potential export markets

Doris Liew, economist and public policy specialist, believes that Asean nations including Cambodia must turn this disruption into an opportunity to balance its economic interests and geopolitical considerations.

Expressing her opinions at the Lowy Institute, an independent think tank, she said: “Expanding the market share remains the only alternative.” But, how could it be carried out?

Doris finds BRICS (an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) as the answer to this colossal question.

“Asean has already laid important groundwork in this direction. In 2024, several Asean member states, including Malaysia and Thailand, secured observer status in BRICS. At the same time, Asean countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have recently signed or are in the process of negotiating new trade agreements with the European Union, and the bloc as a whole has expanded economic cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

“Collectively, these developments position Asean to respond to the US tariffs not by retreating inward but by stronger engagement with non-US markets. While the United States remains one of the largest importers of Asean goods, a broader diversification strategy would gradually reduce US influence in the region, both economically and politically.”

She is also hopeful that the US can’t sustain the implementation of reciprocal tariffs, especially with countries such as Cambodia, as “it remains unclear whether American industries have the capacity to absorb the resulting production shift, particularly in low-cost manufacturing sectors such as garments from Cambodia or downstream manufacturing goods from Vietnam and Malaysia”.

Before April 2, all pundits believed that Cambodia would benefit from Trump tariffs, and now they claim that Cambodia will be the most affected. History has many a time proved that economists, even renowned ones, have most often gone wrong with their models vis-à-vis real outcomes, beginning from the ‘The Great Depression’ to the ‘Sub-Prime Crisis’ and the ‘East Asian Crisis’.

The Cambodian top leadership has already started negotiating with the Trump administration to ensure a smooth and successful discussions on tariffs. We will have to wait and watch.

The article is firstly publihed on Khmer Times

Cambodia’s e-commerce sector is no longer a future promise—it’s a present-day force. With projections setting the market to exceed $1.78 billion by the end of 2025, according to the iTrade Bulletin (March 2025) from the Ministry of Commerce, the Kingdom is undergoing one of its most transformative digital revolutions. For business owners, digital entrepreneurs, and aspiring e-commerce founders, Cambodia’s trajectory signals a unique and profitable frontier in Southeast Asia’s expanding digital economy.

The Digital Surge Behind the Boom

At the heart of Cambodia’s e-commerce explosion lies a fusion of mobile connectivity, social commerce, and the widespread adoption of digital payments. Mobile and internet subscriptions reached 21.9 million in 2024, covering a significant portion of the population, according to the iTrade Bulletin. This connectivity has become the backbone of Cambodia’s online economy, empowering consumers to shop with unprecedented convenience and frequency.

Crucially, digital transactions have overtaken traditional cash-based methods. QR code payments now account for 47.15% of all transactions, followed by cash (26.5%), mobile money transfers (13.3%), and other digital methods (13.05%). Dominating this fintech revolution is ABA Bank, which holds a 46.89% market share, followed by ACLEDA Bank (30.9%) and Wing Bank (17.02%). These financial players are not just enabling purchases—they’re setting the pace for Cambodia’s digital economy.

The Social Commerce Wave

Cambodian consumers are deeply influenced by social media, with platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Khmer24, and Taobao shaping purchasing behavior. In 2024, Cambodia recorded 11.65 million Facebook users and 9.96 million TikTok users—a staggering digital footprint for a nation of around 17 million people.

These platforms aren’t just tools for connection—they’re vibrant marketplaces. Fashion, cosmetics, and food products dominate the virtual shopping carts, with the average customer spending between $11 and $50 per transaction at least once per month. The visual and interactive nature of TikTok and Facebook has made them central to product discovery, reviews, and trust-building in the absence of large-scale local marketplaces like Lazada or Shopee.

E-Commerce’s Impact on GDP and Regional Influence

In financial terms, e-commerce contributed $1.51 billion, or 6.68% of Cambodia’s GDP in 2024, highlighting its critical role in national economic development (source: iTrade Bulletin, March 2025). While Cambodia represents 1.3% of the ASEAN e-commerce market—projected to grow from $116.36 billion in 2024 to $137.24 billion in 2025—this share is steadily climbing, illustrating Cambodia’s increasing integration into Southeast Asia’s digital trade ecosystem.

Logistics and Infrastructure: The Road Ahead

However, the journey isn’t without hurdles. The E-commerce 2024 Report identifies several key challenges that continue to impact consumer confidence and operational efficiency: product fraud, inconsistent quality, high delivery fees, and delays. Logistics bottlenecks remain a serious concern, especially for rural deliveries, exacerbated by limited warehousing space, poor digital infrastructure, and high transportation costs.

Despite these barriers, innovation is closing the gap. A wave of investments in digital tracking, third-party logistics (3PL), and smarter warehousing solutions are beginning to ease pressure on supply chains. Companies such as Vireak Buntham are leading the charge by offering faster delivery times and wider service coverage, including in-town delivery under an hour and cross-province shipping within two days, reflecting evolving consumer expectations.

Governmental Reforms Pave the Way

The Cambodian government is not sitting idly by. In response to the sector’s growing economic impact, policymakers have implemented robust legal and administrative frameworks to support e-commerce players. Among these are:

• A national e-commerce law providing legal clarity for online transactions
• Trust mark systems to verify and build consumer trust in e-commerce vendors
• Streamlined VAT registration for digital businesses
• Digital literacy programs to empower entrepreneurs and consumers
• Roadmaps for digital governance and private sector engagement

These reforms signal that the government sees e-commerce as a pillar of Cambodia’s future economy—not a passing trend.

Rising Demand for Smart Devices and Electronics

The country’s love for online shopping is also fueling demand for tech hardware. According to Ministry of Commerce data, imports of electrical and electronic equipment reached $1.951 billion in 2024, marking a 23.7% year-on-year increase. Mobile phones alone accounted for $604.6 million, a figure driven by the need for better devices to participate in the digital economy—whether for social media, digital banking, or e-commerce selling.

This hardware boom represents a golden opportunity for importers, tech retailers, and digital services providers who want to tap into a tech-savvy and hungry consumer base.

The Rural Opportunity

While urban Cambodia—especially Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville—dominates e-commerce activity, rural regions remain largely untapped. The E-commerce 2024 Report notes that limited digital skills and inadequate infrastructure hinder online business expansion in provinces. However, this gap also represents one of the greatest opportunities for growth. Entrepreneurs and service providers who invest in last-mile logistics, regional fulfillment centers, and rural digital education will find themselves ahead of the curve.

What This Means for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs?

For local and foreign investors, the message is clear: Cambodia is ripe for e-commerce innovation. Whether you are running a digital storefront, managing logistics, providing payment solutions, or importing tech devices, the ecosystem is maturing fast.

The following areas offer the most promising business potential:

• Third-party logistics (3PL) with fast and reliable last-mile delivery
• Social commerce solutions for sellers using Facebook Live and TikTok
• E-commerce platforms and marketplaces tailored to Cambodian needs
• Digital marketing agencies that specialize in Khmer-language content
• Payment gateways and fintech apps that support mobile transactions
• Warehouse and fulfillment center development, particularly outside Phnom Penh
• Import and retail of smartphones and digital tools

Cambodia’s Digital Decade Has Begun

With a fast-growing digital population, a supportive government, and a hunger for online goods and services, Cambodia is entering a golden age of e-commerce. The projected $1.78 billion in revenue by 2025, the surge in mobile-driven transactions, and the country’s increasing integration into ASEAN’s digital economy make it an attractive destination for e-commerce investment.

But the road to success requires more than just a Facebook page or a product listing. Businesses must embrace reliability, digital literacy, fast logistics, and consumer trust as core pillars. As the infrastructure improves and digital tools become more accessible, those who adapt early will reap the biggest rewards.

Sources:

• iTrade Bulletin, March 2025 – Ministry of Commerce
• E-commerce 2024 Report – General Department of Taxation (GDT)
• Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications – 2024 telecom data
• ASEAN e-commerce market data – ASEANStats 2024

A reciprocal tariff is a trade policy tool that one country implements in response to tariffs imposed by another country on its exports. This form of tariff is designed to create a balanced trading environment by ensuring that no country gains an unfair advantage. By imposing reciprocal tariffs, a country aims to protect its domestic industries from potentially harmful foreign competition and encourage fair trade practices.

How Do Reciprocal Tariffs Work?

Reciprocal tariffs function by mirroring the trade restrictions of a partner country. For example, if Country A imposes a 10% tariff on imports from Country B, Country B may respond by imposing an equivalent 10% tariff on imports from Country A. This tit-for-tat approach is meant to pressure trading partners into more equitable trade agreements and discourage protectionist policies.

In some cases, reciprocal tariffs do not necessarily match the exact product category. For instance, if Country A imposes a 20% tariff on coffee imported from Country B, Country B may retaliate by imposing a 20% tariff on electronics imported from Country A. The goal is to apply economic pressure in strategic industries, compelling the other country to reconsider its tariff policies.

The Role of Reciprocal Tariffs in Trade Negotiations

Reciprocal tariffs are often used as a bargaining tool in international trade negotiations. When a country implements a reciprocal tariff, it sends a clear signal that it is willing to retaliate against trade barriers. This can encourage diplomatic discussions to resolve tariff disputes and pave the way for trade agreements that reduce or eliminate such barriers altogether.

A notable example is the US-China trade war, where the United States imposed tariffs on Chinese goods such as steel and aluminum. In retaliation, China placed tariffs on American products like soybeans and automobiles. Such actions often lead to prolonged negotiations aimed at restoring balanced trade relations.

Historical Context of Reciprocal Tariffs

Reciprocal tariffs have played a significant role in global trade history. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many European nations used reciprocal tariffs to protect their domestic markets from foreign competition. Before the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO), countries frequently engaged in tariff-based retaliation, leading to trade tensions and economic instability. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and later the WTO sought to regulate and reduce such protectionist measures, promoting multilateral trade agreements instead.

Advantages of Reciprocal Tariffs

While reciprocal tariffs can be controversial, they offer several benefits, including:

• Protection of Domestic Industries – By making imported goods more expensive, reciprocal tariffs help shield domestic businesses from foreign competitors that may have lower production costs.
• Encouraging Fair Trade Practices – When one country imposes unfair tariffs, reciprocal tariffs can serve as a countermeasure to level the playing field.
• Incentivizing Trade Agreements – Countries may be more willing to negotiate trade deals when faced with reciprocal tariffs, potentially leading to long-term trade liberalization and mutual economic benefits.

Potential Drawbacks of Reciprocal Tariffs

Despite their intended benefits, reciprocal tariffs also pose significant risks:

• Higher Consumer Prices – When tariffs increase the cost of imported goods, consumers may face higher prices for everyday products.
• Supply Chain Disruptions – Many industries rely on global supply chains, and reciprocal tariffs can make it more difficult and expensive for businesses to source materials and components.
• Risk of Trade Wars – If both sides continuously escalate tariffs, it can lead to a full-scale trade war, harming economic growth and global trade stability.

Conclusion

Reciprocal tariffs are a strategic tool in international trade policy, used to counteract unfair trade practices and protect domestic industries. While they can encourage fair trade and promote negotiations, they also carry risks such as increased consumer costs and potential trade wars. Governments must carefully balance the use of reciprocal tariffs to ensure they serve as a constructive mechanism rather than a destructive one in global commerce.