ports

Singapore Tightens Stance on Tariff Evasion as US Scrutiny Intensifies

Singapore is reinforcing its commitment to enforcing strict rules of origin to counter US allegations. Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong said the city-state will not tolerate practices disguising Chinese-origin products to circumvent trade restrictions. Gan, who recently met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, emphasized Singapore must preserve its credibility as a trusted international trading hub by maintaining rigorous enforcement. The US has identified Singapore among approximately 40 economies allegedly part of a shadow transhipment network used by Chinese exporters to obscure product origins. Singapore has disputed characterizations equating its legitimate transhipment operations with tariff evasion, noting such activity does not alter a product's country of origin. The distinction carries significant implications for Singapore's maritime and logistics sector.