Why do Singapore exports still face US tariffs after court ruling?

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Singapore Exports Remain Subject to US Tariffs Following Court Decision

Singaporean exports will continue to face a 10 per cent tariff in the United States, despite the US Supreme Court's decision to strike down President Donald Trump's broader reciprocal tariffs. This continuation is due to the administration's swift invocation of a different trade provision, Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, to reinstate the levy. Singapore had already been subject to this 10 per cent baseline tariff under measures announced in April 2025.
Supreme Court Overturns Emergency Tariffs

The US Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling, determined that President Trump lacked the authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to unilaterally impose tariffs on nearly all trading partners. This decision invalidated the sweeping reciprocal tariffs previously enacted by the administration.
New Tariffs Imposed Under Trade Act Provision

Following the Supreme Court's ruling, the administration quickly utilised Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This provision permits the imposition of temporary import surcharges of up to 15 per cent for a period of 150 days, specifically to address significant trade deficits.
Singapore Already Under Existing 10 Per Cent Tariff

The 10 per cent tariff on Singaporean goods is not a new imposition resulting from the recent legal challenge. Singapore, a free trade partner with the US since 2004, was already subjected to this baseline tariff as part of the "Liberation Day" measures introduced in April 2025. Wendy Cutler, senior vice-president at the Asia Society Policy Institute, indicated that the situation should remain stable for Singapore given this pre-existing tariff structure.
Sector-Specific Duties Remain in Place

Beyond the general 10 per cent tariff, certain sector-specific duties continue to be enforced. Notably, a 100 per cent tariff is applied to branded or patented pharmaceutical products unless companies establish manufacturing facilities within the US. However, exemptions mean that most semiconductor exports still benefit from reduced or zero tariff rates.

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Why do Singapore exports still face US tariffs after court ruling?

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