A restaurant in Singapore’s Chinatown, Xie Lao Song, has swiftly removed a controversial notice declaring a “104 per cent surcharge” for American diners, following a flurry of attention and backlash on social media.
The handwritten notice, which surfaced online earlier this week, stated that “starting from April 9, 2025, Americans will be charged a 104 per cent surcharge when dining at this restaurant.”
The sign appeared shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a similar 104 per cent tariff on Chinese goods, drawing immediate comparisons between the two.
The notice was signed “Xie Lao Song, Singapore,” and quickly went viral on TikTok, attracting millions of views.
Responses ranged from expressions of support for the restaurant’s apparent patriotism to accusations of discrimination against American customers.
A worker at the restaurant, who chose to remain anonymous, labeled the notice a “malicious prank,” asserting that the establishment, which has been operating for over a decade, would “never do something so crass.”
The employee confirmed that the restaurant is investigating the incident and has not ruled out filing a police report.
On April 11, a reporter from The Straits Times observed that both the English and Chinese signs at the restaurant’s entrance had been taken down. Staff members at the establishment refrained from providing additional comments, and efforts to reach the owner were unsuccessful, as they were reportedly away on business.
Employees from nearby Chinese eateries stated they had not encountered similar pranks and were unaware of the ongoing controversy.
The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) acknowledged the situation and confirmed that the restaurant had removed the notice.
In response to inquiries, a CCCS spokesperson stated, “In general, CCCS does not intervene in prices that private businesses choose to charge their customers, insofar as the prices are independently determined and clearly communicated to customers before purchase.”
The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act prohibits unfair practices that exploit customers, but it does not explicitly cover discrimination by nationality.
As discussions continue online, with posts on platforms like Reddit garnering significant attention, many are left speculating whether the incident was a misguided publicity stunt or a broader commentary on international trade relations.
The restaurant, known for its signature spicy crab dish, has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
This controversy comes amidst a backdrop of escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, with total U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports now standing at 145 per cent following recent increases.
On April 11, Beijing raised its tariffs on US imports to 125 percent in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to increase duties on Chinese products to 145 percent. This move escalates the trade war, which poses a risk to global supply chains.
The situation remains fluid, as both countries navigate their complex trade relationship.
Image via Facebook
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