In response to the US proposal to impose a 12.5% tariff on Singaporean goods exported to the United States, Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) stated that there is no evidence showing Singapore’s export goods are related to forced labor. The proposed US tariffs would cover about one-third of Singapore’s exports to the US.
On June 2, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released investigation results, stating that 60 economies have failed to enact and effectively enforce laws banning the import of products made with forced labor. It recommended a 10% or 12.5% ad valorem tariff on goods exported to the US from these economies, with Singapore included on the list.
A spokesperson for Singapore’s MTI reiterated, in response to Lianhe Zaobao’s inquiry on the 4th, that Singapore does not tolerate the use of forced labor in supply chains and has established a robust framework to combat such illegal activities domestically. There is no evidence that Singapore is involved in supply chains related to forced labor.
The spokesperson said forced labor is a transnational issue that requires international cooperation. During bilateral consultations with the USTR, the MTI has conveyed Singapore’s position.
She also stated that Singapore will continue to engage constructively with the USTR to explore various options and assess the impact of the proposed measures on Singapore’s exports to the US.
As for the proposed US tariff measures only covering a third of Singapore’s exports to the US, this is because some products are exempt. Exempted products include energy and related products, pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients, certain electronics, some aerospace products, semiconductors, as well as metals used for currency and bullion, among others.
A spokesperson for Singapore’s MTI reiterated, in response to Lianhe Zaobao’s inquiry on the 4th, that Singapore does not tolerate the use of forced labor in supply chains and has established a robust framework to combat such illegal activities domestically. There is no evidence that Singapore is involved in supply chains related to forced labor.
The spokesperson said forced labor is a transnational issue that requires international cooperation. During bilateral consultations with the USTR, the MTI has conveyed Singapore’s position.
She also stated that Singapore will continue to engage constructively with the USTR to explore various options and assess the impact of the proposed measures on Singapore’s exports to the US.
As for the proposed US tariff measures only covering a third of Singapore’s exports to the US, this is because some products are exempt. Exempted products include energy and related products, pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients, certain electronics, some aerospace products, semiconductors, as well as metals used for currency and bullion, among others.