Import and tariff policies put up for negotiation

Singapore's trade ministry has signaled intent to possibly amend trade policies related to its strict SPS measures and tariff lines.

"Singapore is ready to discuss any concerns that our trading partners may have, in order to arrive at mutually acceptable outcomes," said Mrs Ow Foong Pheng, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry, in addressing concerns raised by World Trade Organization members on Singapore's trade regime during the latest Trade Policy Review meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.

"A few Members have posed questions on some of Singapore’s SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) measures. Singapore’s SPS measures, and the restrictions we impose, stem from food safety concerns," Mrs. Ow said.

"The safety of our people is paramount. Singapore does not have a beef or poultry industry and imports almost all of our food. It is therefore not in our interest to restrict the import of any food product, or to disrupt our food supply without good cause. As Ambassador Adank noted on Tuesday, we maintain zero tariffs on all food imports. Ready access to diverse food sources is key to our food security strategy," she added.

"Several Members have asked Singapore to bind more tariff lines and reduce the gap between our applied and bound tariff rates in the WTO. A similar question was asked on whether Singapore was prepared to raise the  level of our services commitments in the WTO. Singapore is fully prepared to do both in the context of the DDA negotiations, in which we will continue to participate actively and constructively," she said further.