How did Singapore link US tariff decisions to Washington’s trade surplus?

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Singapore Highlights Trade Surplus as Basis Against US Tariffs

Singapore has communicated to the United States that a growing trade surplus enjoyed by Washington with Singapore provides no technical or economic justification for imposing tariffs on the republic. This key message was conveyed by Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The minister articulated that while he understands the US administration may need to raise tariff revenue for domestic political reasons, Singapore aims to avoid becoming unintended collateral damage in broader US tariff strategies.
Argument Against Tariffs Based on Trade Balance

Minister Balakrishnan directly linked Singapore's position against tariffs to the existing trade balance, stating that the US has a growing trade surplus with the republic. This surplus, he argued, should serve as the fundamental reason for the US not to impose any tariffs on Singapore. The emphasis is on the economic reality of a favourable trade relationship for the US, undermining any rationale for punitive trade measures.
Context of the Meeting in Manila

The discussion took place on the sidelines of the 59th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila. This diplomatic setting provided a platform for Balakrishnan to directly engage with Secretary Rubio, a significant US official, on critical bilateral trade concerns. The meeting was described as a "good, candid and honest-to-goodness discussion," indicating a direct and open exchange of views on the matter.
Singapore's Concern Over Collateral Damage

Beyond the specific economic argument, Singapore expressed a broader concern about being caught in the crossfire of US trade policy. Balakrishnan acknowledged that the US administration might be compelled to increase tariff revenue for internal political considerations. However, Singapore's primary objective is to ensure it is not adversely affected as the US implements its tariff-raising schemes with various trading partners globally.

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How did Singapore link US tariff decisions to Washington’s trade surplus?

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