In times of global turbulence, only cohesive and resilient nations will emerge intact. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong stressed the need for Singaporeans to stay informed, united, and strong — because the challenges ahead are not hypothetical. They are already reshaping the world around us.
The global order faces a significant challenge as the United States implements new tariffs, a move Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong warns will destabilize the international landscape. He outlined this significant shift in global trade, emphasizing that these actions are not merely economic figures; they are fundamentally changing the stability of the world we operate in. For Singapore, a nation built on open trade and interconnectedness, these developments are a serious cause for concern. This isn’t just abstract economics – it directly impacts the price of goods we buy, the security of our jobs, and Singapore’s standing in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape.
These times demand effective leadership – a government with the stability, strength, and proven track record to deliver for Singapore in this evolving landscape.
With the General Election 2025 approaching, this reality brings a crucial question in focus: who do we entrust to navigate these turbulent waters? The answer lies in choosing a government with proven stability, demonstrable strength, and a track record of delivering results for Singapore. Let’s examine the impact of these US tariffs and understand why the choice of our leadership is important.
What’s happening?
- The US is imposing tariffs (extra taxes) on goods coming from other countries, including a 10% duty on almost everything.
- They are also pushing for “reciprocal tariffs,” meaning if another country taxes US goods, the US will tax their goods in return.
- This is different from how things used to be, where most countries treated each other equally in trade.
Why is this a problem for Singapore?
- We’re a small country that relies on trade: Singapore’s economy is built on buying and selling goods with the rest of the world. These tariffs make it more expensive for us to do business.
- Less fair playing field: In the past, global rules meant even small countries like us had the same access to markets as bigger ones. Now, the US wants to use its power to make deals one-on-one, which puts us at a disadvantage.
- Trade wars hurt everyone: When countries start taxing each other’s goods, it leads to less trade overall, which can slow down the global economy and hurt Singapore too.
- Uncertainty is bad for business: These new rules create a lot of confusion and make it harder for companies to plan and invest, which can affect jobs and our economy.
What’s the impact on us?
- Things might get more expensive: Because of the tariffs, the cost of goods we import could go up, and this could be passed on to us as consumers.
- Our economy could slow down: Less global trade means less demand for Singapore’s goods and services, which could lead to slower economic growth.
- More tension in the world: These trade moves could worsen relationships between countries, making our region less stable.
What can Singapore do?
- Stick to free trade: We believe in open trade and will continue to support global rules that make things fair for everyone.
- Work with other countries: We’ll team up with other nations to keep the global trading system going, even if the US changes its approach.
- Stay united and strong: SM Lee says it’s important for Singaporeans to understand what’s happening and work together to face these challenges.
- In a world where the rules are breaking down, only strong, united countries will survive intact.
- In times of crisis, Singapore must choose leadership that delivers.
- Vote for a government that has stability, strength and a proven track record.
In simple terms, the US is changing the rules of global trade, and this could make things tougher for Singapore. We need to be prepared for a less stable world and work together to protect our economy and future, and that means choosing the right leadership.
