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Singapore plays by the rules and won't tolerate tariff evasion, says trade minister

Singapore is making clear that its position as one of Asia's biggest transhipment and trading hubs does not extend to helping exporters disguise the Chinese origin of goods to circumvent US tariffs. Deputy PM and trade minister Gan Kim Yong (pictured) said Singapore did not support the use of its trade and logistics infrastructure to bypass tariffs, as the city-state seeks to address US allegations over the rerouting of China-made goods through third countries. At the Economic Society of Singapore's 70 anniversary dinner, he said: "We frown upon such practices." Mr Gan, recently on a US visit, during which he met with US trade representative Jamieson Greer, emphasised that Singapore must maintain the credibility it had built as a trusted international trading hub. "It's important for us to safeguard that trust by making sure that we are very stringent on the rules of origin... From time to time, we do need to take action, to demonstrate our seriousness in enforcing the rules." Washington recently identified Singapore as one of around 40 economies allegedly forming part of what it described as a "shadow transhipment network". The US has accused Chinese exporters of using third countries to disguise the origin of goods to avoid tariffs. Singapore has rejected the suggestion that its legitimate transhipment trade amounted to tariff evasion. And for Singapore's maritime and logistics sector, the distinction is critical. Transhipment does not change a product's country of origin. Goods moving through Singapore remain China-origin goods unless they undergo processing in Singapore that meets applicable rules of origin. Singapore Customs has reiterated that the US uses the "substantial transformation" test when determining whether a product qualifies as Singapore-origin. Minimal processing or assembly normally does not confer this status. That means a Chinese-made product cannot simply be shipped into Singapore, repacked or minimally processed, and then declared as Singapore-origin to obtain preferential treatment or avoid US tariffs. Mr Gan pointed to a recent Singapore enforcement case as evidence that the government was prepared to act against companies that cross that line. On 14 August, a Singapore-registered company, Healthy Living Biotech, Singapore residents Yin Yuxi, 28, and Bernard Koh Wee Yiap, 54, along with Chinese national Xue Xin, 37, were charged over falsely declared China-made mattresses as Singapore-origin goods to evade US import duties.

Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia plan coordinated response to box ship fires

Singapore is seeking closer cooperation with Malaysia and Indonesia to improve regional response to containership fires. Cargo-related incidents aboard box ships have become an increasing concern for the maritime industry. The move was outlined at the 17th Cooperation Forum in Singapore yesterday, where the three countries discussed navigation safety and marine environmental protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Singapore's minister for transport, Jeffrey Siow (pictured), said when incidents happened, rapid coordination among relevant authorities was critical to saving lives, limiting environmental damage, and keeping vital shipping routes operational. He said: "In recent years, we have also observed more cargo fires on containerships. Despite our best efforts, marine accidents will occur......When they do, rapid and coordinated action can save lives, limit pollution, and keep the waterway open for others." One of the most recent containership fires was in Singapore, on Evergreen-owned 9,226 teu Ever Lenient on 10 April, while the vessel was docked at the Pasir Panjang Terminal. The crew and firefighters extinguished the flames. Nearly a quarter of global seaborne trade passes through the Straits of Singapore and Malacca. Against this backdrop, Singapore plans a trilateral procedure covering three key areas: the management and notification of maritime incidents; procedures for identifying containers that are lost overboard; and vessels that have sunk. Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore CEO Ang Wee Keong said more vessel movements, larger ships, and changing cargo profiles were making navigation in the straits more challenging. He said: "We must continue to anticipate new challenges and adapt our approac accordingly." Allianz Commercial said in its Safety and Shipping Review 2026, more than 200 vessel fire incidents were recorded in 2025, the second-highest annual total in the past decade. The insurer said misdeclared cargo comprised nearly 25% of cargo-related incidents, with batteries and chemicals among the most common causes of fires. Allianz also said that last year, lithium-ion battery cargo volumes were six times higher than five years earlier, and that demand was expected to double again by 2030.

Hong Kong Air Cargo adds Brisbane to charter network

Hong Kong Air Cargo plans to start round-trip charter flights between Hong Kong and Brisbane, Australia this month. The cargo carrier will begin flights on 29 August and operate the once a week service on Saturdays. "By expanding footprint at Queensland's premier aviation gateway, the route strengthens our regional network and opens lucrative trade lanes between East Asia and Oceania," said Hong Kong Air Cargo. "Looking ahead, Hong Kong Air Cargo will continue to explore expansion opportunities, including growth in key markets and long-haul development." Earlier this month Hong Kong Air Cargo launched a dedicated freighter service between Hong Kong and Mumbai. As well as Australia and India, the carrier has steadily expanded into Europe, in part to meet e-commerce demand in the region, although e-commerce volumes have recently been affected by the European Union's (EU) introduction of a charge for low-cost packages. The airline started operations in the region in October 2023 with a service to Milan Malpensa. In February 2024, Hong Kong Air Cargo began operating a new route to Liege in Belgium, then in September 2024, it expanded its network to Oslo in Norway. The UK in particular has been a major focal point for the airline's European operations. In February 2024, it started operating to London Stansted (STN), then in October 2024, it launched a route to Birmingham (BHX). In February 2025, the airline began flying to Glasgow Prestwick (PIK) and in November 2025 it began operations at East Midlands Airport (EMA). In February this year, the airline also launched scheduled services to Larnaca International in Cyprus. Hong Kong Air Cargo's fleet includes an Airbus A330-200 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft and five A330-200 production freighters, all dry leased from parent company Hong Kong Airlines. The airline also has an EFW-converted Airbus A330-300P2F that is on ACMI lease.