Trump Driving ‘Confusion’ in Global Commerce: George Yeo

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“Politicization of trade under Trump-era thinking could destabilize supply chains and global economic norms”

By TRH Global Affairs Desk

NEW DELHI, August 8 — Singapore’s former Foreign Minister George Yeo has sharply criticized US President Donald Trump’s approach to global trade. He warned that Trump’s tariffs mark a decisive break from decades of free trade principles and could inject chaos into supply chains.

Speaking in a conversation with First Voice, the former minister said Trump was “going back to an old world” where there was “no WTO, no MFN,” and trade became an instrument of political leverage. “I like you, I need you more, so we have one regime. I don’t like you, you need me more, we have another regime,” he said, describing Trump’s transactional style.

According to the Singaporean leader, Trump’s stance reflects a diminished US confidence in its economic dominance compared to the era when it accounted for 40% of the global economy and shaped rules under the World Trade Organization. “The US no longer feels the same self-confidence… it feels a growing insecurity about itself,” he observed, adding that Washington now frames global trade as exploitation against American interests.

He likened the unpredictability of Trump’s trade moves to a ship carrying 20,000 containers mid-voyage, suddenly facing new US rules. “What do you do? If you are receiving those containers, maybe you don’t want them. Or maybe you want the ship to speed up so it arrives before the new policies are in place,” he said, warning that the US leader “doesn’t understand that you can change your mind from day to day, but it’s a long tail” for trade flows.

Despite the turbulence, he struck a note of inevitability, saying trade “is like water — it will always find its way” regardless of the rules imposed.

Remarks of Singaporean leader came amid fluid trade situations in the world. Trump is summarily slapping tariffs on nations, with critics slamming him for working with whims and fancies.

Trump has slapped 50% tariffs on Canada, Brazil, and India so far. He has been juggling up tariffs against nations without plausible explanations argued. With China also, the US tried to bully Beijing but the blowback forced Trump to capitulate for a 90-day pause on tariff and negotiate lesser rates. China forced the US on toes by allegedly restricting supplies of rare earth metals, which are crucial for the defence and EV industries.