Singapore has rejected US government data showing it ran a trade surplus with America last year, instead claiming it posted a deficit. The city-state's government challenged Washington's calculations, which had been cited as evidence that Singapore contributes to global manufacturing overcapacity. This statistical disagreement comes as the US considers imposing new tariffs on various trading partners.

Singapore's Commerce and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that the US figures were inaccurate, though specific numbers from Singapore's calculations were not disclosed in the brief report. The dispute highlights growing tensions in US trade relations, particularly regarding manufacturing capacity and trade imbalances. Singapore has positioned itself as a neutral financial hub but now finds itself defending its economic data against US claims.

The disagreement over trade figures could have significant implications as the US evaluates potential tariffs. Singapore's challenge to the data suggests the country is preparing to defend its trade relationships and economic interests. The timing of this dispute, amid broader US trade policy reviews, indicates Singapore is proactively addressing concerns before they escalate into formal trade actions.