• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Jamie Dimon and his wife, Judith, donate $12 million to 12 HBCUs—betting they're the 'springboard to success' for the next generation

2

Baby boomers are collecting 265% of what they paid into Social Security—and millennials are paying the price

3

Bill Gates fears world leaders are unprepared for 3 major AI risks: 'Stunted' child development, emboldened criminals, and vanishing jobs for Gen Z

1

Jamie Dimon and his wife, Judith, donate $12 million to 12 HBCUs—betting they're the 'springboard to success' for the next generation

2

Baby boomers are collecting 265% of what they paid into Social Security—and millennials are paying the price

3

Bill Gates fears world leaders are unprepared for 3 major AI risks: 'Stunted' child development, emboldened criminals, and vanishing jobs for Gen Z
Politics
Asia

Singapore says it’s ‘disappointed’ by Trump’s tariffs: ‘These are not actions one does to a friend’

By
AFP
AFP
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
AFP
AFP
Down Arrow Button Icon
April 8, 2025, 5:38 AM ET
Singapore's prime minister Lawrence Wong inspects the guard of honor during a welcoming ceremony at Government House in Bangkok in November 2024.
Singapore's prime minister Lawrence Wong inspects the guard of honor during a welcoming ceremony at Government House in Bangkok in November 2024.Peerapon Boonyakiat—SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Singapore are “not actions one does to a friend”, the city-state’s leader said Tuesday, adding the government will likely downgrade this year’s economic growth forecast.

Recommended Video

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned that the “likelihood of a full-blown global trade war is growing” and urged his trade-reliant nation to prepare for difficult times ahead.

“We are very disappointed by the U.S. move, especially considering the deep and long-standing friendship between our two countries,” he said in an address to parliament.

“These are not actions one does to a friend.”

Trump last week announced sweeping levies on friends and foes alike after accusing the world of “ripping off” the United States for years.

Singapore was hit with a 10% tariff, despite a free-trade agreement (FTA) with the United States.

The rate is much less than those imposed on other countries.

But Wong said the trade-dependent nation will be particularly hurt by a slump in the world economy and the unravelling of the global trading system based on free trade.

“Singapore may or may not go into recession this year, but I have no doubt that our growth will be significantly impacted,” he said.

The trade ministry is reassessing its economic growth forecast this year of 1.0-3.0%”and will likely revise it downwards,” he added.

Wong said that under the U.S.-Singapore FTA, the city-state imposes zero tariffs on American goods. Singapore also runs a trade deficit with Washington.

“If the tariffs were truly reciprocal and if they were meant to target only those with trade surpluses, then the tariff for Singapore should be zero,” he said.

Singapore hosts thousands of U.S. companies and many of them have made the city their Asia-Pacific headquarters.

While the island-nation is not a U.S. defense treaty ally, it enjoys robust military ties with Washington.

“This marks a profound turning point,” he said.

“We are entering a new phase in global affairs, one that is more arbitrary, protectionist and dangerous.”

Fortune Daily breaks the traditional barrier between audience and newsroom. The show transforms Fortune’s trusted reporting into actionable, conversational, and entertaining insights for an emerging class of business leaders. Watch here.
About the Author
By AFP
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Politics


Most Popular

Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • TikTok icon
  • YouTube icon

    Latest in Politics


    Most Popular

    © 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
    FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.