Singapore expressed disappointment at being subjected to 10% tariffs by the U.S. despite having a free-trade agreement and running a trade deficit with the U.S., according to Singapore's trade minister. The minister mentioned that Singapore has the option to take retaliatory measures under the existing free-trade agreement established in 2004, but has decided against it due to concerns that such actions would increase import costs. The minister stated that the government will reassess its economic projections due to the deteriorating situation caused by the tariffs.

In response to the tariffs, Singapore plans to engage with the U.S. in an attempt to understand President Donald Trump's issues of concern and explore possible resolutions. Gan Kim Yong, the trade minister, highlighted the challenges in negotiating if the U.S. does not specify its concerns.

While Singapore faced a 10% tariff from the U.S., it was comparatively lower than the tariffs imposed on Southeast Asian neighbors, who received tariffs ranging from 32% to 49%. Last year, the U.S. held a goods trade surplus of $2.8 billion with Singapore, representing an 84.8% rise from the previous year, as per the United States Trade Representative website.