PHNOM PENH, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol said here on Monday that the United States has used forced labor as a 'pretext' to impose fresh tariffs on Cambodia and other countries.

The United States said last Thursday it would impose tariffs ranging from 10 to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 economies, accusing them of failing to adequately enforce bans on goods produced through forced labor.

For Cambodia, the United States imposed a 10 percent tariff in this latest move.

"We do not have forced labor in Cambodia, nor has Cambodia purchased raw materials from countries that use forced labor," Chanthol said at a press conference.

The United States found procedures that, in simple language, serve as a pretext to collect tariffs, he added. ■