How the U.S.–Singapore FTA and the 10% Additional U.S. Tariff Work Together

The U.S.–Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) still matters — but it doesn’t completely remove import costs. Under the FTA, qualifying goods are relieved of the United States’ standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duties. However, an additional 10% U.S. tariff introduced in April 2025 is applied to imports from all countries (including Singapore) on top of any existing duties. That means even FTA-eligible shipments remain subject to this extra 10% charge, while non-qualifying products will face both the standard MFN duty and the 10% tariff.

What makes a shipment FTA-eligible? The FTA’s rules of origin — the conditions that determine whether a product “originates” in Singapore — must be satisfied. Common pathways to eligibility include undergoing a change in tariff classification during production or meeting a minimum local value-content requirement. When importers want to claim the FTA’s duty-free treatment for standard MFN duties, the claim must be filed at the time of entry and supported by a Certification of Origin that contains the specific required data elements.

What this means for businesses importing from Singapore
– Don’t assume zero duties just because there’s an FTA: even qualifying goods will incur the 10% additional tariff.
– For non-qualifying goods, budget for both MFN duty and the 10% surcharge.
– File your FTA claim at entry and have the Certification of Origin ready; the claim must be made at the time of entry.

Practical next steps
– Assess each product against the FTA rules of origin (for example, tariff classification changes or minimum local value content).
– Prepare and review the Certification of Origin and the documentation you’ll submit at entry.
– Factor the 10% additional tariff into pricing, landed-cost calculations, and supply‑chain decisions.

Bottom line: the U.S.–Singapore FTA still provides valuable duty relief for qualifying goods, but the April 2025 10% U.S. tariff reduces — and in some cases removes — that advantage. Importers should verify eligibility carefully and factor the additional tariff into all import planning and cost forecasts.