How does Singapore link the US trade surplus to tariff decisions?

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Singapore Argues Against US Tariffs Based on Growing Trade Surplus

Singapore has communicated to the United States that a growing bilateral trade surplus in Washington's favour provides no technical or economic justification for the imposition of tariffs on the republic. This position was articulated by Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the 59th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila.
No Economic Rationale for Tariffs

Minister Balakrishnan highlighted that the United States has experienced an increasing trade surplus with Singapore. He stated that this surplus should logically serve as a basis for refraining from implementing any tariffs on Singaporean goods or services. The minister's remarks underscore Singapore's perspective that trade imbalances, when favouring the US, contradict the rationale often cited for tariff measures.
Acknowledging US Domestic Political Considerations

While asserting the lack of an economic basis, Balakrishnan acknowledged that the US administration might be motivated by domestic political imperatives to increase tariff revenue. He indicated an understanding that such decisions can be driven by internal political needs rather than purely economic considerations related to specific trading partners like Singapore.
Preventing Collateral Damage

Singapore's primary objective in these discussions is to ensure that it does not suffer unintended consequences, or "collateral damage," from broader US tariff policies. The republic seeks to be insulated from measures that the US may be implementing more generally with its various trading partners, aiming to avoid being adversely affected by a wider trade strategy.

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How does Singapore link the US trade surplus to tariff decisions?

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