Singapore has expressed dismay over the recent trade measures imposed by the United States, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stating that the tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump are unbefitting of a longstanding ally.
Speaking before Parliament on Tuesday, Wong cautioned that the country may be forced to revise its economic growth forecast for the year downward.
Highlighting the rising threat of a global trade war, Wong urged Singaporeans to brace for potential economic challenges.
“We are very disappointed by the US move, especially considering the deep and long-standing friendship between our two countries. These are not actions one does to a friend,” he remarked.
Trump’s administration recently rolled out extensive tariffs affecting multiple countries, including close allies, as part of a broader push to address what he described as decades of unfair trade practices against the US.
Despite maintaining a free-trade agreement with the United States, Singapore was still slapped with a 10 percent tariff.
While this rate is lower compared to other nations, Wong emphasized that Singapore’s heavy dependence on international trade makes it particularly vulnerable to global economic slowdowns and disruptions to the free-trade system.
“Singapore may or may not go into recession this year, but I have no doubt that our growth will be significantly impacted,” the prime minister added.
