Text: U.S.-Singapore Trade Fact Sheet
(Free Trade Agreement to expand trade in service sectors) (530)
Following is the text of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) fact sheet on U.S.-Singapore trade, released November 16:
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U.S.-Singapore Trade Fact Sheet
Singapore was the 10th largest trading partner and export market for the United States in 1999, while the United States
was Singapore's largest market. Singapore's tariffs affecting most U.S. products are zero, and the average U.S. tariff
on Singapore's products is less than 1 percent. Trade between the United States and Singapore totaled $34.4 billion last
year, up 34 percent since 1998. U.S. exports to Singapore are particularly robust in high-technology sectors, including
electronic components, scientific and medical equipment, and telecommunications and computer equipment, and in
chemicals. Singapore is also a significant destination for U.S. exports of aircraft and aircraft parts. U.S. main
imports from Singapore were high-tech equipment, chemicals, petroleum products, and apparel.
Despite certain Singapore services restrictions-such as on the right of establishment of new banks and law firms-the
United States maintained a services trade surplus of $2 billion with Singapore in 1999. The affiliated trade (trade
between parent companies and their foreign affiliates), information technology services, engineering, legal and
financial services comprised most of this surplus. The free trade agreement negotiations will focus on removing
Singapore's services restrictions and expanding U.S. business opportunities.
The United States leads in foreign investment in Singapore, accounting for 45 percent of new investment in the
manufacturing sector in 1999. As of 1998, cumulative investment for manufacturing and services by American companies in
Singapore reached approximately $19.8 billion (total assets). The bulk of U.S. investment is in electronics
manufacturing, oil refining and storage, and chemicals.
Singapore strongly supports free trade and the multilateral trading system. Singapore has worked closely with the United
States in promoting further trade liberalization globally and in multilateral fora. It has pursued among the most
liberal trade and investment policies in the world, which are key factors underlying its strong and stable economy. With
the exception of tariffs on four alcoholic beverage products, it applies no tariffs.
Nonetheless, there are key areas that the United States would like to address in free trade negotiations. The United
States has concerns regarding Singapore's protection and enforcement of intellectual property. Singapore also has a
substantial services sector and is moving toward higher value-added services, in which U.S. companies are particularly
competitive. U.S. services providers and investors could benefit from the enhanced access in a number of services
sectors, including environmental, engineering, telecom, financial, courier, distribution, educational, architecture, and
other professional services that would result from such an agreement.
Both the United States and Singapore are committed to strong environmental protection and labor rights. Singapore has
one of the most stringent environmental management regimes in the region, as its government has placed a high premium on
maintaining environmental quality and ensuring the implementation of strong anti-pollution policies. Singapore also has
strong labor laws, protecting the rights of its workers to form associations and to organize and bargain collectively.
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http://usinfo.state.gov)