In a recent interview with CGTN anchor Xu Qinduo, former Singaporean foreign minister George Yeo offered a no-nonsense take on the latest U.S. tariff moves.
With the pause on U.S. "reciprocal tariffs" extended to August 1, President Donald Trump has sent tariff letters to several countries, warning of steeper levies if fresh deals aren't sealed. The move signals a ramp-up in pressure tactics that have already rattled markets and supply chains worldwide.
Yeo argues that these latest threats amount to a departure from long-held free trade ideals. "He has abandoned the ideals of free trade because of a loss of self-confidence and growing insecurity within the U.S.," Yeo told Xu.
Yet despite the whirl of uncertainty and disruption, Yeo remains upbeat about the future of global commerce. "Trade is like water – it will always find its way," he said, underscoring the resilience of cross-border exchange even when fences go up.
As negotiations stretch on and deadlines loom, Yeo's analogy reminds us that markets are fluid. Whether through new partnerships or rerouted supply chains, commerce has a knack for adapting and flowing around obstacles.
Reference(s):
George Yeo: Despite disruption, trade will always find its way
cgtn.com
