Opposing US tariffs: Damaging global trade and hitting small businesses hard

Critics of the US tariff decision warn that the 12.5% duty is counterproductive, disrupting well-established supply chains and raising costs for consumers on both sides. In Singapore, small and medium-sized enterprises bear the brunt, as they cannot easily absorb the extra expense or pivot to new markets. The tariffs also risk hurting US firms that rely on Singaporean components, making their products less competitive globally. Opponents argue that the move undermines the rules-based trading system and could spark retaliation, escalating into a broader trade conflict. They call for dialogue and multilateral solutions, noting that Singapore has been a reliable trade partner with fair practices. In the long run, they say, unilateral tariffs weaken economic cooperation and slow growth for all involved.