Xi Jinping may try to woo the victims of Donald Trump’s tariffs
America’s chaos is a chance for China to wield influence in the region
Cambodians awoke on April 3rd to learn that their exports to America would face tariffs of 49%. As they took in the news, experts warned that the country’s garment industry, which accounts for more than half of export revenues and sells most of its wares into America, would be devastated. While President Donald Trump delayed enforcement of the 49% rate on April 9th, it could yet come back.
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This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “Asia reels—will China pounce?”
From the April 12th 2025 edition
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