Fallout zone: Singapore and Apac brace for impact of US-China trade conflict

Singapore faces a uniquely delicate position in this escalating trade conflict. As a major financial hub and transhipment centre, it is both vulnerable and strategically important. Under current frameworks, the city-state has been subject to a relatively low 10 per cent baseline tariff rate. However, this relative favourability may be misleading. Singapore’s economy is fundamentally dependent on the regional trade flows that will be severely disrupted.

Singapore has historically served as a gateway for goods entering and leaving China. Trump’s administration has already signalled a crackdown on transhipment schemes designed to circumvent tariffs. The new 100 per cent rate will intensify scrutiny of Singapore-based operations, potentially forcing local authorities to implement stricter monitoring to avoid being dragged into enforcement actions.