Singapore: Background and U.S. Relations

Publication Date: December 2008

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

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Abstract:

A former colonial island trading and military outpost of the far-flung British Empire, the tiny Republic of Singapore has transformed itself into a modern Asian nation and a major player in the global economy. Singapore's heavy dependence on international trade makes regional stability and the free flow of goods and services essential to its existence. As a result, the island nation is a firm supporter of both U.S. international trade policy and the U.S. security role in Asia. In July 2003, the U.S. Congress passed the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Implementation Act, which will eventually eliminate tariffs imposed on all goods, cover trade in services, and protect intellectual property rights. See CRS Report RL31789, U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, by Dick K. Nanto. This report will be updated periodically.