Property News Roundup 28th April 2025

We’re delighted to share the weekly news highlights below.

1. Xi’s visit puts Cambodia’s $4B railway project back in spotlight

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent state visit to Cambodia has revitalized interest in the long-delayed $4 billion high-speed railway project connecting Phnom Penh to Poipet. This 382-kilometre line, under study by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), is a cornerstone of Cambodia’s infrastructure ambitions. During the visit, Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s development, aligning with the Belt and Road Initiative. China has previously granted over $44 million to advance the railway project, reflecting its significant investment in Cambodia’s infrastructure. The railway is part of a broader $36.6 billion infrastructure plan unveiled by Prime Minister Hun Manet, aiming to transform Cambodia into a high-income nation by 2050. Xi’s visit also marked the signing of 37 agreements covering various sectors, including trade, education, and health, further solidifying the “ironclad” friendship between the two nations. China remains Cambodia’s largest trading partner and investor, with bilateral trade surpassing $15 billion in 2024.

April 22^nd, 2025, Khmer time: t.ly/j_9L3  

2. US finalizes tariffs on Southeast Asian solar imports

​On April 21, 2025, the U.S. Commerce Department finalized steep anti-dumping tariffs on solar imports from Southeast Asia, concluding a year-long investigation prompted by American manufacturers like Hanwha Qcells and First Solar. The probe determined that Chinese companies operating in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam were selling solar panels below cost and benefiting from unfair subsidies, harming U.S. producers. Tariffs vary by company and country: Jinko Solar’s Malaysian products face a 41.56% duty, Trina Solar’s Thai-made goods are hit with 375.19%, and Cambodian suppliers face over 3,500% due to non-cooperation. While proponents argue these measures protect domestic manufacturing, critics, including the Solar Energy Industries Association, warn they could raise costs for U.S. solar developers reliant on imported components. The International Trade Commission is set to vote in June to determine if the U.S. industry was materially harmed, a prerequisite for the tariffs to take full effect.

April 22^nd, 2025, Reuter: t.ly/bT0g5

3. Leading conglomerates pour $300M into landmark hospital project

Cambodia’s healthcare sector is poised for a significant transformation as eight leading conglomerates commit $300 million to construct a state-of-the-art hospital in Phnom Penh. This landmark project aims to elevate the nation’s medical infrastructure by introducing cutting-edge technology and internationally trained professionals, offering comprehensive services ranging from general medicine to specialized treatments. The initiative underscores a strategic public-private partnership designed to reduce the need for Cambodians to seek medical care abroad, thereby retaining healthcare expenditures within the country. Beyond enhancing patient care, the hospital is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region. This investment reflects a broader commitment to improving national healthcare standards and accessibility for all citizens.

April 22^nd, 2025, Khmer Time: t.ly/yop-S

4. Cambodian PM calls for expansion of EV charging stations

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged stakeholders to accelerate the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support the nation’s transition to sustainable transportation. This initiative aligns with Cambodia’s broader goals to reduce carbon emissions and modernize its transport sector. The government has set ambitious targets, aiming for EVs to constitute 35% of cars and 40% of buses by 2050, necessitating a comprehensive network of charging stations nationwide.​Private sector involvement is pivotal in this endeavor. Companies like Charge+ have announced plans to install 1,000 AC and 500 DC fast chargers across Cambodia, enhancing the country’s EV infrastructure. Additionally, a recent partnership between AVIS Cambodia and WowNow Taxi aims to establish 6–8 charging stations in Phnom Penh, further bolstering the charging network.​These developments are part of Cambodia’s commitment to sustainable transport, with projections indicating over a million electric two- and three-wheelers and approximately 100,000 electric cars on the roads between 2030 and 2040. The expansion of EV charging stations is thus a critical step in facilitating this transition and achieving the country’s environmental objectives.​

April 23^rd, 2025, Khmer Time: t.ly/OB6HR

5. Cambodia’s insurance market surges with $357M in premiums

Cambodia’s insurance industry experienced significant growth in 2024, with gross written premiums reaching $357 million and total assets amounting to $1.2 billion. This expansion reflects the sector’s resilience and increasing public trust in insurance products. The surge is attributed to heightened awareness of financial protection and the introduction of innovative insurance solutions. Both life and general insurance segments contributed to this upward trend, supported by regulatory enhancements and digitalization efforts. The government’s commitment to financial sector development, including the implementation of the Financial Sector Development Strategy 2025, aims to further strengthen the insurance market. As Cambodia’s economy continues to grow, the insurance sector is poised to play a crucial role in providing financial security and supporting economic stability. Ongoing collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders is expected to sustain this momentum and drive future growth.​

April 23^rd, 2025, Khmer Time: t.ly/nqzbE

6. Firms mobilize $549 million from securities market

Cambodia’s capital market has achieved a significant milestone, with firms mobilizing $549 million through the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) as of April 2025. This growth underscores the increasing confidence of both local and international investors in the country’s financial sector. The CSX aims to further enhance market activity by doubling daily trading values to approximately $300,000 and adding 15,000 new investor accounts. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to deepen the capital market and provide more financing options for businesses. The government’s commitment to financial sector development, including regulatory reforms and digitalization efforts, has played a crucial role in this progress. As Cambodia’s economy continues to expand, the capital market is poised to become an increasingly vital component of its financial infrastructure, supporting sustainable economic growth and diversification.

April 23^rd, 2025, Khmer Time: t.ly/SN-mr

7. IMF cuts growth forecasts for most countries in wake of century-high US tariffs

On April 22, 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised its global economic growth forecast downward to 2.8% for 2025, a 0.5 percentage point decrease from its January projection. This adjustment is attributed to the recent implementation of U.S. tariffs, which have reached levels not seen in a century, affecting nearly all trading partners and introducing significant uncertainty into global markets. The IMF’s chief economist, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, indicated that these developments signal a fundamental shift in the global economic system that has been in place for the past 80 years. The IMF also anticipates that inflation will decline more slowly than previously expected, reaching 4.3% in 2025 and 3.6% in 2026, with notable upward revisions for the U.S. and other advanced economies. The report emphasizes that escalating trade tensions and policy uncertainties are likely to further dampen economic activity worldwide.

April 23^rd, 2025, Reuter: t.ly/1f9KC

8. White House would consider cutting China tariffs as part of talks, source says

The White House is considering reducing tariffs on Chinese imports from the current 145% to between 50% and 65%, contingent upon negotiations with Beijing, according to a source familiar with the matter. This potential policy shift aims to de-escalate ongoing trade tensions between the two largest economies. President Trump has expressed openness to a “fair deal” with China but has not confirmed specific details. White House spokesperson Kush Desai emphasized that any tariff changes would require bilateral discussions and are not imminent. Despite the possibility of reductions, the proposed tariff levels would remain substantial, likely continuing to impact trade volumes. For instance, German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd reported a 30% cancellation rate for U.S.-bound shipments from China. In response, China has imposed 125% tariffs on U.S. imports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged that both nations view the current tariff rates as unsustainable, though the timeline for formal negotiations remains uncertain.

April 24^th, 2025, Reuter: http://t.ly/lFJDy

9. Gold falls 3% as Trump comments on Fed and China boost risk sentiment

On April 23, 2025, gold prices declined over 3%, retreating from the previous day’s record high of $3,500.05 per ounce, as investor risk appetite improved following President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would not dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and his indication of potential progress in U.S.-China trade negotiations. Spot gold fell to $3,281.60 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures settled at $3,294.10. The dollar rebounded, and equities rallied as markets responded positively to the easing of political tensions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also suggested that current high tariffs between the U.S. and China are unsustainable and may need to be reduced to facilitate further trade talks. Despite this pullback, gold remains up over 26% year-to-date, driven by central bank purchases, ongoing trade uncertainties, and robust investment demand.

April 24^th, 2025, Reuter: t.ly/1P8aB

10. China pushes for tariff cancellation to end US trade war

On April 24, 2025, China urged the United States to cancel all unilateral tariffs to resolve the ongoing trade war. Despite President Trump’s claims of direct communication and progress on negotiations, Chinese officials clarified that no formal trade discussions or agreements have taken place, labeling such reports as false. The U.S. is reportedly considering reducing tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to between 50% and 65%, as reported by Reuters. China’s Commerce Ministry stressed the necessity for the U.S. to remove tariffs to genuinely address the trade issues and encouraged rational international and domestic voices to influence policy. Domestically, China hosted a roundtable with over 80 foreign firms and business chambers to address the adverse effects of U.S. tariffs, with Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji urging businesses to find opportunities amid the crisis. Meanwhile, China reiterated its support for free trade and multilateralism, with the central bank governor emphasizing this stance at a G20 meeting alongside the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.

April 25^th, 2025, Reuter: t.ly/gBRwy