Singapore pushes back against US tariffs over forced labour claims
Singapore is pushing back against new US tariffs, arguing there is no economic justification for the levies. The city-state aims to avoid being caught as collateral damage in broader US trade policy regarding forced labor investigations.
Why it matters
This highlights the diplomatic and economic friction caused by US protectionist trade policies and their impact on international trade partners.
Singapore foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan said he made the case during a 'robust' discussion with US secretary of state Marco Rubio. (EPA Images pic)
MANILA: Singapore’s top diplomat said there was no economic justification for the US to impose tariffs on the city-state, adding that it seeks to avoid becoming “collateral damage” in Washington’s broader trade policy.
Speaking at the Asean foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila, Vivian Balakrishnan said he made the case during a “robust” discussion with US secretary of state Marco Rubio. He had stressed that the US runs a trade surplus against Singapore, the foreign minister told reporters Thursday, according to a transcript released by the ministry.
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