DPM Gan’s US tariff negotiation draws scrutiny as PM Wong says Singapore can ‘live with’ 10% levy
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong’s role in US trade talks faces scrutiny as Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says Singapore can accept a 10% tariff, despite earlier warnings of severe impact. Netizens question if the ruling party shifted its stance, having touted Gan as the “taskforce man” during the election. Some note Gan’s recent Washington trip ended with no breakthrough or concessions secured.
Published
on
30 July 2025
By
The Online Citizen
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong’s negotiations with the United States have come under fresh scrutiny after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong indicated that Singapore could
accept a 10% tariff imposed by the US, despite the Republic’s earlier strong objections.
Speaking at the “
Global-City Singapore: SG60 and Beyond” conference on 29 July 2025, co-hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) and the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), PM Wong addressed the recent US tariff declaration and sought to reassure businesses and investors.
Wong acknowledged that while the 10% levy is not Singapore’s preferred outcome, it remains manageable.
“We can live with it, and we can still do business,” Wong said. He added that there are still opportunities for trade and investment with the US.
Singapore was included in the so-called
“Liberation Day” tariffs announced by the US on 2 April, 2025.
The Republic faces a 10% duty on selected exports — among the lowest in the new tariff bands. Singapore had previously enjoyed tariff-free access for most goods under longstanding free trade arrangements.
Wong also noted that the 10% rate is relatively modest compared to higher tariffs faced by other countries.
He added that Singapore must remain realistic about shifts in global trade dynamics.
Wong reiterated that Singapore would continue engaging its partners while preparing businesses to adapt.
“We must be realistic and take the world as it is. But we are not passive bystanders. We can shape our own destiny,” he said.
Gan Kim Yong: US remains non-committal on tariff flexibility
Gan, who also
spoke at the conference, confirmed that the US remains “non-committal” about adjusting the 10% tariff.
He said Singapore made clear its hope for future reviews to lower or remove the levy but acknowledged that Washington offered no immediate concessions during his
visit from 20 to 26 July.
Gan explained that his meetings were aimed at keeping lines of communication open and ensuring that Singapore’s interests remain on the agenda for any future US trade policy adjustments.
During his
trip to Washington, Gan was unable to meet US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, which meant detailed discussions on pharmaceutical tariffs could not take place.
However, he met other senior officials, including
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Their discussions focused on sustaining the long-standing, mutually beneficial economic relationship between Singapore and the US, and exploring potential collaboration in areas such as the digital economy.
Absence of a breakthrough raises questions
However, the lack of a breakthrough in Gan’s recent trip has raised questions among the public.
Critics online have highlighted what they see as a contradiction between the government’s pre-election messaging and the current outcome.
During the campaign, the People’s Action Party (PAP) warned that Singapore could face serious economic harm if
key ministers were not re-elected.
Wong himself cautioned in Parliament on 8 April that the
tariffs could dea
