Overview

• Xie Lao Song, a restaurant in Singapore's Chinatown, imposed a 104% surcharge on American diners starting April 9, 2025, citing recent U.S. tariff increases on Chinese goods.
• The signage, written in English and Chinese, quickly went viral on social media, sparking debates about its discriminatory nature and potential legality.
• Following significant public backlash, the restaurant removed the surcharge notices by April 11, 2025, but management declined to comment on the decision.
• Legal experts noted that Singaporean law does not explicitly prohibit nationality-based pricing, though the practice raises ethical concerns.
• The incident highlights how global trade policies can influence local business practices and underscores the power of social media in shaping public accountability.