REACH (Telegram) 104 -  What are your views on Singapore's trade position and negotiations with the US compared to other Southeast Asian countries?

(SK)

29 Oct 2025 (10am - 7pm)

REACH (Telegram)

REACH Singapore, [29/10/2025 10:20 am]

Dear Contributors,

Welcome Back! 😊

⏰ We will be opening the chat from 10.30am to 7pm today. ⏰

House Rules (short version of our Terms of Use) to keep in mind:

1. Be kind and respectful. We all want to be in a safe space to share our views.

2. Any and all threatening, abusive, vulgar or racially, religiously and ethnically objectionable content is prohibited.

3. Consider the quiet ones among us and give them a chance to comment.

4. No need to repeat your comment or in different forms (including caps) - we heard you loud and clear the first time.

5. Let's protect each other's privacy and keep contact details in this group what it should always be - confidential.

Full set of Terms of Use: https://www.reach.gov.sg/Participate/reach-telegram-group/REACH-Telegram-Group-Chat-Terms-of-Use/

We will strive to uphold these rules to ensure this is a safe space for all.

Please be assured that the points made by participants during the chat are aggregated and shared with relevant agencies.

The topic will be posted shortly.

Thank you.

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [29/10/2025 10:30 am]

📢 Topic 📢

Singapore’s talks with the United States on sectoral tariffs for semiconductors – a key export for the Republic – remain “at a very early stage”, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, as he reaffirmed Asean’s resolve to keep engaging all partners in a shifting global trade landscape.

He was speaking in response to a question from the Singapore media at the US-ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on whether tariffs had come up in Asean leaders’ discussions with US President Donald Trump.

During the summits, reciprocal tariff deals or frameworks between the US and four Asean countries – Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam – were announced.

💬 What are your views on Singapore's trade position and negotiations with the US compared to other Southeast Asian countries?

📌 Deals with 4 ASEAN countries

Earlier on Sunday, Trump signed reciprocal trade agreements with his Thai, Malaysian, Cambodian and Vietnamese counterparts that will see the countries work to address tariff and non-tariff barriers.

The US would maintain a tariff rate of 19 per cent on most exports from Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia under the deals, according to joint statements released by the White House.

The 20 per cent tariff rate for Vietnam was also maintained. 

Trump also inked deals with Thailand and Malaysia seeking cooperation to diversify critical minerals supply chains, amid competing efforts from China in the rapidly growing sector.

Malaysia on Sunday agreed to refrain from banning or imposing quotas on exports to the US of critical minerals or rare earth elements, the countries said in a statement. Under the deal, Kuala Lumpur also agreed to provide significant preferential market access for industrial goods and agricultural imports from the US, the statement said. This includes chemicals, machinery and passenger vehicles, as well as products such as dairy and poultry.

Meanwhile, Thailand would eliminate tariff barriers on approximately 99 per cent of goods, covering a full range of US industrial and food and agricultural products, both countries said.

📌 Singapore's discussion with the United States

PM Wong said tariffs were not discussed in detail during these meetings, though bilateral discussions between the US and individual Asean countries are ongoing.

PM Wong said that questions have arisen over why one was not inked with Singapore. “Some people ask us, different countries are signing trade agreements with the US. Why hasn’t Singapore done so?”

He explained that Singapore did not need to do so as it already has a free trade agreement with Washington. “We are at a baseline of 10 per cent, and America is not going below 10 per cent, so we are not pursuing such agreements.” He also noted that sectoral tariffs potentially will apply even after countries have signed agreements with the US.

Both semiconductors and pharmaceuticals are major exports for Singapore to the US, with the latter accounting for about 13 per cent of its domestic exports to the US.

The sectoral tariffs on pharmaceutical products were meant to kick in on Oct 1, but have since been put on hold to allow the administration to negotiate deals with companies. In September, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said Singapore was looking into the possibility of a cap on the tariff rate, similar to those negotiated in the US’ trade deals with Japan and the European Union.

Of the discussions with Mr Trump, PM Wong said they “were very much at the broader strategic levels around the partnership that America has with Asean countries”.

There was “strong mutual appreciation and desire to keep that relationship strong”, he said

📌 ASEAN continued engagement with US and China

Asean held separate summits with the US and China as it does every year, and both “went very well because all of Asean, every single Asean country, wants to have good relations with both America and China”, said PM Wong.

Asked how Asean is navigating the growing rivalry between the US and China, PM Wong said the region’s goal is to keep both powers closely engaged, not isolated.

REACH Singapore, [29/10/2025 10:30 am]

He noted that all Asean countries want to maintain strong ties with both, given that America remains a major source of investment and technology, while China is the grouping’s largest trading partner.

“We may be in transition to a multi-polar world, but we are certainly not there yet,” he said, later adding that this is why it is important for Asean to continue engaging all the major powers.

👉🏻 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapores-talks-with-the-us-on-sectoral-tariffs-still-at-early-stage-pm-wong

👉🏻 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/trump-100-us-asean-summit-malaysia-5425816

REACH Singapore, [29/10/2025 11:00 am]

[ Poll : 1. I am confident in the Government's ability to protect Singapore's economic interests. ]

- Strongly agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly disagree

REACH Singapore, [29/10/2025 11:00 am]

[ Poll : 2. I am concerned that Singapore might be disadvantaged by US trade policies. ]

- Strongly agree

- Agree

- Neutral

- Disagree

- Strongly disagree

REACH Singapore, [29/10/2025 11:01 am]

Dear Contributors,

Please take a moment to participate in our polls and share your opinion. The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on today’s topic!

💬 What are your views on Singapore's trade position and negotiations with the US compared to other Southeast Asian countries?

Thank you.

Megan 😊

365, [29/10/2025 11:43 am]

Trump only knows how to use scare tactics, and whatever he does is nothing short of market manipulation to profit off of. No real reason to be afraid of him, just tactically play theatrics with him will be fine.

There's even a theory going around that when the speaker of the white house starts an announcement with "hello", it's going to be good news and if he starts with "good morning" or "good afternoon" he'll bring bad news, and markets have seemingly be trading according to this theory.

365, [29/10/2025 11:45 am]

Just see how he's scrambling when China refuse to buy soybeans from the US. He keeps looking to "make a deal" with China. He's losing on both the buy and sell end against China already. Unable to buy processed rare earth materials and unable to sell soybeans.

REACH Singapore, [29/10/2025 1:03 pm]

Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you!

💬 What are your views on Singapore's trade position and negotiations with the US compared to other Southeast Asian countries?

We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!

Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

Thank you!

Megan 😊

REACH Singapore, [29/10/2025 2:31 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

REACH Singapore, [29/10/2025 3:00 pm]

Dear Contributors,

We want to HEAR MORE from you!

💬 What are your views on Singapore's trade position and negotiations with the US compared to other Southeast Asian countries?

We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!

Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.

Thank you!

Megan 😊

LCL (Danny 心), [29/10/2025 3:36 pm]

*Information on Trump signing of trade deals with 4 ASEAN Countries*

1, Noted that Trump has signed trade deals with 4 ASEAN countries – notably Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

2. Noted that other than Vietnam that are tariff for 20%, the other 3 are tariffs with 19%.

3. Also noted that some sectoral favourable tariffs are accorded to the 3 countries :-

a. Malaysia

- Pharmaceutical - 0%

- Aerospace Equipment – 0%

- Key commodities, including palm oil, cocoa, and rubber.

b. Thailand

- Thailand must scrap 99% of US goods

- Thailand must buy US agricultural products, energy supplies and aircraft valued at over US$20 billion.

- US grant 0% tariff to certain Thai items (not determined yet)

Indonesia seeking similar terms confirmed trade talks with US are intense.

Close friend Source :-

US Grants 0% Tariffs to Three ASEAN Nations Under New Trade Pacts.

https://share.google/91WCA9lO8cP5uu2Qw

*My Personal comments*

1. Notice that 0% tariffs on some selected products such as pharmaceutical and aerospace equipment - in which we are actively seeking work against us.

As 100% tariff on pharmaceutical products are announced though temporarily suspended to allow for pharmaceutical companies to work out the tariff.

Also our baseline 10% tariff will put us at a disadvantage against 0% tariff.

LCL (Danny 心), [29/10/2025 3:52 pm]

2. Notice that why 0% on selected products are granted to Malaysia and Thailand on selected products :-

a. Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia – happens to find the sweet spots to entice Trump who thrive on flattery.

- Thailand and Cambodia are in military skirmishes, Trump who are eager for Nobel Peace Prize dangle the carrots of favorable tariffs to force peace between these 2 ASEAN countries else punitive tariffs seem to be working.

This rubs Trump on his sweet spots and in synch with his dictatorial streak – award some favor on a personal tone when both Thailand and Cambodia sign the peace deal oversee by Trump.

- Malaysia in fact tops the reign of flattery among the 3 ASEAN states :

i. Malaysia actively brokered Thailand and Cambodia peace process.

ii.Malaysia actively engaged Trump and put Trump as the chief peace broker – certainly rubbed him at the right spot.

Iii. Malaysia put up a flattery pom pom welcome allowing Trump to dance and soak in the atmosphere of maximum flattery.

iv. Malaysia has rare earth in which Malaysia are removing all restraint for export control, tariffs --- in which Trump is desperately seeking to break the rare earth embargo from China – that have crippled US production lines in commercial and military productions.

REACH Singapore, [29/10/2025 4:01 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [29/10/2025 4:11 pm]

3. Singapore in the absense of the above favorable conditions for us to negotiate for a better outcome, I personally feels that not everything are lost because :-

a. We have a comprehensive FTA with US – we should leverage on it to get the best terms.

b. We have the lowest reciprocal tariff 10% as opposed to many Countries, even our ASEAN partners who are levy with 19%, 20% tariffs in most products.

c. Our sectoral negotiations on pharmaceuticals, semiconductors are still ongoing bilaterally – and still in the very early stage of negotiation.

Most Pharmaceutical firms in Singapore are also corresponding setting up plants in US that will means there is a good chance of avoiding and forgoing the 100% tariff on pharmaceutical products – our Government negotiating teams should be relentless on pursuing this track, hopefully to get a 0% tariff on our pharmaceutical products.

d. We have a trade deficit with US, we should leverage on this to get favorable terms on our pharmaceutical products and semiconductors – hopefully 0% tariff.

Else if Malaysia pharmaceutical tariff is 0%, the implications is that pharmaceutical investors in our shores could shift to Malaysia – and we could lose business, jobs and impact our Economy.

LCL (Danny 心), [29/10/2025 4:48 pm]

e. Note :- As we hold up high hope on negotiating with US in getting a favorable terms notably hopefully 0% tariff for our pharmaceutical and semiconductors products for ourselves – we cannot place all our bets in one basket.

f. We need to look for alternative markets – in the hope that it can absorb all the pharmaceutical products and semiconductors as both make up 13% of our domestic exports to US by other Countries.

- thinking aloud, semiconductors are sanctioned to China market – wonder whether we can export to India, Latin America, ASEAN, Asia Pacific markets, Central Asia, Middle East or even Africa?

- for pharmaceutical products that are not sanctioned, can we look for export to China, India, Latin America, ASEAN, Asia Pacific markets, Central Asia, Middle East or even Africa?

If we are able to successfully find replacement markets to absorb all our pharmaceuticals and semiconductors products that are supposed to go to US markets – then whatever outcomes of our negotiations with US for sectoral tariffs on our pharmaceutical and semiconductors to US markets will be less significant whether we get 0% tariff or 10% tariff or otherwise – because replacement markets will be absorbing our these 2 vital products and hence keep pharmaceutical and semiconductor investors at our shore, maintain our business vibrancy and sustainability, keep our jobs as well as ensuring our Economy continue to thrive and could even expand our business into more diverse markets instead of relying on the whim and fancy of a dominating one.

LCL (Danny 心), [29/10/2025 5:48 pm]

g. We should also leverage on our capabilities and our advantages such as :-

i. R&D cap

ii. Good infrastructure

iii. Funding strength

iv. Network to various markets

v. Strength in legal jurisdiction

vi. Favourable tax incentives

vii. Availability of our talents

viii. Logistics network

ix. Our robust alternative supply chain

x. Joint venture with the various industrial parks.

Etc. muster whatever other strength we have to keep pharmaceutical and semiconductor investment anchor within Singapore shore, create jobs for our people and maintain our Economy healthy.

REACH Singapore, [29/10/2025 6:01 pm]

📢 Topic 📢

LCL (Danny 心), [29/10/2025 6:42 pm]

Because other than the US market, 70% of the market are outside US.

1. Our export to US could be under pressure from tariffs.

2. But if we are able to sell our pharmaceutical and semiconductor to 70% of world market without tariffs, then pharmaceutical and semiconductor investors will still have incentives to continue to run their operations in Singapore without the pull factor to relocate to other lower tariffs countries - create jobs and booster our Economy.

LCL (Danny 心), [29/10/2025 6:47 pm]

3. That's we can still continue to attract investors from US and technology transfer from US if we manage to build a robust network of trading partners with the rest of the world minus US.

4. This will be the worst scenario we must prepare ourselves up against.

5. And if we are successful in doing so, we will not be in despair.

REACH Singapore, [29/10/2025 6:52 pm]

Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 10 minutes ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

LCL (Danny 心), [29/10/2025 6:52 pm]

6. Because US companies hesitation of reshoring back to US are very high - as they discovered the cost of doing so outweigh the benefits and profits they can made.

7. We however should be wary of investors moving to low tariffs countries arrangements with US.

8. Hence building up alternative markets and ensure foreign investors stay invested by selling to these replacement markets become all the more important.

RY, [29/10/2025 6:58 pm]

SG besides bilateral trade relationship with USA, SG also has strong military relationship with USA for years

I believe our Minister Gan will know how to negotiate with USA diplomatically with the best deals for SG

As any negotiation with USA, trade is just one of the considering factor - in my opinion

REACH Singapore, [29/10/2025 6:59 pm]

Dear Contributors

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan 😊

====