Singapore’s exports to the United States will continue to face a 10 per cent baseline tariff following a new executive order issued by the US administration.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) confirmed the tariff arrangement on 1 August 2025, following the announcement by the White House just hours before the order took effect.
A ministry spokesperson said MTI had verified the details directly with the Office of the US Trade Representative.
“We are closely monitoring developments and will seek clarification from our US counterparts as necessary,” the spokesperson said, as reported by The Business Times.
Under the updated directive, the US has announced a tiered tariff structure ranging from 10 per cent to 41 per cent, depending on a country’s trade status with Washington.
Countries such as Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand will see varied rates.
For example, Malaysia’s rate will drop to 19 per cent from a previous 25 per cent.
US President Donald Trump had previously threatened to increase the global baseline tariff to 15 per cent but ultimately maintained the 10 per cent base for certain nations.
A senior US official told Bloomberg that affected countries were placed into three categories.
These categories include a 10 per cent tariff for countries with which the US runs a trade surplus in goods, about 15 per cent for nations with modest trade deficits or existing agreements, and higher rates for countries lacking trade deals.
Latest trade figures show that the US goods trade surplus with Singapore was about US$2.8 billion (S$3.6 billion) in 2024.
The new measures will take effect on 7 August 2025.
Gan Kim Yong earlier said US remains non-committal on tariff flexibility
The confirmation of Singapore’s continued position under the baseline tariff comes amid sustained efforts by Singapore to secure clarity and flexibility in its trading relationship with the US.
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, speaking at the “Global-City Singapore: SG60 and Beyond” conference on 29 July, said Washington remained “non-committal” on possible changes to the rate.
Gan’s comments followed his official trip to Washington from 20 to 26 July, where he met key US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
“They are not in the mood to discuss any discount to the baseline tariff,” Gan said during his address.
Despite the lack of movement, Gan emphasised Singapore’s intention to continue engaging the US to explore any potential review or reduction of the tariff rate in future.
Gan’s meetings covered the broader economic partnership between Singapore and the US, including collaboration in the digital economy.
However, planned sector-specific discussions on pharmaceuticals were deferred as Gan did not meet US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick during the visit.
Singapore hopes to negotiate for zero tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors through separate talks once the broader tariff framework is settled.
PM Wong says US baseline 10% tariff not ideal but Singapore ‘can live with it’
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, speaking separately on Tuesday, said that while a 10 per cent tariff is not ideal, it is acceptable for Singapore’s economic interests.
“While zero tariffs are preferable, this baseline is the lowest category. We can live with it, and we can still do business,” Wong said.
Despite the rate, Wong underscored the need for Singapore to remain grounded in reality.
“We must be realistic and take the world as it is,” he said. “But we are not passive bystanders. We can shape our own destiny.”
He added that the US appears to be withdrawing from global leadership, leading to a “messier world” and less predictability in international trade.
To counter rising uncertainty, Singapore is focusing on strengthening multilateral institutions, deepening bilateral partnerships, and intensifying cooperation within ASEAN.
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