Trump’s Tariffs Threaten Survival of Southeast Asia Textile Industry
00:00/00:00
Listen to this article
1x
Subscribe now
Listen to the full version
Listen to the full version
Workers at a Chinese-owned garment factory in Udong Town, Kampong Chhnang Province, Cambodia, on November 18, 2024.
Textile businesses in Southeast Asia are bracing for impact as U.S. President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” threaten to disrupt the global garment manufacturing base.
“Once tariffs on Cambodian garment exports to the United States rise to 49%, factories will struggle to survive, ” an executive from a Chinese handbag company with facilities in Cambodia and China’s Guangdong province told Caixin.
You've accessed an article available only to subscribers
VIEW OPTIONS
Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.
Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.
- RELATED
Share this article
Open WeChat and scan the QR code
- DIGEST HUB
Digest Hub
Back
Explore the story in 30 seconds
- U.S. President Trump's proposed tariffs could severely affect Cambodian textiles, with rates up to 49%, making factory survival challenging.
- Regional effects show significant tariffs imposed on countries like Laos (48%), Vietnam (46%), and Myanmar (44%), impacting overall trade.
- The photovoltaic industry might experience less impact compared to textiles, as tariffs slightly vary across Southeast Asia, boosting supply chain diversification.
AI generated, for reference only
What Happened When
- By 2024：
- Bilateral trade between Cambodia and the U.S. reached $10.18 billion, marking an 11.2% year-on-year increase.
- 2025：
- Tariffs on Cambodian exports to the U.S. are reported to have already risen to more than 10% in the small handbag industry.
- 2025：
- Chinese companies are predicted to face decreased orders but it's still considered better than shutting down.
AI generated, for reference only
- PODCAST
- MOST POPULAR
Sign in with Google
Sign in with Facebook
Sign in with 财新