"Cambodian garment workers fret Trump's new tariff threat", 8 July 2025

"I beg the US to reduce the tariff for the sake of workers in Cambodia," 38-year-old Im Sothearin told AFP as she rested from her work in an underwear factory in the capital Phnom Penh.

"If they charge a high tariff, it is only workers who are going to suffer," said the mother-of-three who earns only $300 a month.

"Factories might be closed or workers will have their wages lowered, or be forced to work faster."...

The US president originally outlined a 49-percent rate if Cambodia failed to broker a deal with Washington. On Monday, he lowered it to 36 percent and extended the negotiation deadline to August 1.

"If the tariff is that high, companies won't have money to pay," 28-year-old pregnant worker Sreymom, who goes by only one name, told AFP as she bought fruit on her lunch break.

"I am worried that we won't have jobs to do," the 11-year veteran of the factory floor said. "I want the tariff to be reduced more."...

Yi Mom has had a two-decade career in the garment industry. But she frets it may be ended if Cambodia fails to soften the blow threatened by the United States.

"I fear that the high tariff will affect factories and will result in fewer jobs for workers," said the 47-year-old.

"Then we will have low wages and will not be able to support our families."