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SINGAPORE - Singapore will continue to engage with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to explore options following its decision to impose a 12.5 per cent tariff on Singapore's exports to the United States, the Trade and Industry Ministry (MTI) said.
One-third of Singapore’s domestic exports to the US will be subjected to a 12.5 per cent tariff, which takes effect on July 24, 2026, according to the ministry.
"Further details on how the tariff will be implemented will also be shared when ready," MTI said in a statement on Friday.
The USTR on Thursday published its determination on 60 economies, including Singapore, following an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 into policies and enforcement measures concerning imports of goods produced with forced labour.
It concluded that all economies under investigation failed to impose and effectively enforce a forced labour import prohibition.
It concluded that all economies under investigation had failed to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.
According to MTI, Singapore does not condone the use of forced labour and has a comprehensive enforcement framework and good track record against such illegal practices.
It also consistently played a constructive role in advancing international labour standards to address the issue of forced labour by ratifying the International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (C29).
"Singapore remains committed to upholding high labour standards globally and working with the international community, including the ILO, to develop measures that address the issue of goods produced with forced labour.
"Any trade restriction, including a prohibition on goods produced with forced labour, would need to be carefully considered. We will continue to do so in close consultation with the Singapore Economic Resilience Task Force and the business community," MTI added.
Meanwhile, Singapore, along with 15 other economies, is also subject to the USTR’s investigations under Section 301 into acts, policies and practices relating to structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors.
"The findings and proposed actions of this investigation have not been released," said MTI. -BERNAMA
