Casey Mace, the interim office of the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, emphasized that achieving a balanced, mutually beneficial trade relationship is the core of the Trump administration's “America First” trade policy.

Mays said this when he attended the opening of the new office of AmCham Singapore on Thursday (March 13).

“It is regrettable that there has been little progress in previous efforts to restore balance and confidence in the global trade system,” Metz said.

Mays said that when a country invests more than one trillion yuan in state subsidies to reduce production costs, manipulating currency to lower commodity prices, the system collapses. “If we don’t realize what makes us reach this point, we will have a hard time finding a new, globally beneficial balance.”

Metz stressed that tariffs are not the only tool of the Trump administration. “The government also directs our agencies to explore and identify bilateral and industry-specific agreements to strive for exports and market access for American workers, farmers, ranchers, service providers and other businesses. Therefore, I can assure you that the United States will continue to be committed to expanding trade and promoting prosperity, but that all countries also have the responsibility to ensure a level economic playing field and comply with the terms of the economic agreement.

Further reading

Yan Jinyong: No business practices to use Singapore to evade export controls in other countries

Yan Jinyong: No business practices to use Singapore to evade export controls in other countries

Weiwen: Our country is unlikely to be included in the US list of tariffs imposed but will be indirectly affected

Weiwen: Our country is unlikely to be included in the US list of tariffs imposed but will be indirectly affected

“Based on my observations over the past few years, Singapore remains the most ideal place for American companies to do business in Southeast Asia, both with Singapore and ASEAN countries.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry Yan Jinyong also attended the opening of the new office of the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore on Thursday and delivered a brief conversation.