United States Praises Prime Minister Wong, People's Action Party for Victory in GE2025 Elections
Victory for Singapore: US Looks Forward to Working with New Government
Singapore is celebrating a landslide victory in its recent General Election, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) receiving congratulations from the United States. In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his administration's eagerness to collaborate closely with the newly elected government.
"For close to six decades, the United States and Singapore have enjoyed a robust strategic partnership and a shared commitment to a peaceful, free, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," Rubio stated. He further added that the US looks forward to strengthening economic growth, their bilateral defense and security ties, and regional cooperation with the new administration.
The PAP seized 87 out of 97 seats in the election, increasing its vote share from 61.2% to 65.57% and triumphing in hotly contested wards. The party also extended its margin of victory in most constituencies.
One of the key challenges facing Singapore is the impact of US tariffs, announced by President Donald Trump on April 2. The tariffs, featuring a 10% baseline rate for importing goods, had a significant impact on Singaporean exports. According to Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who also chairs the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss concessions on global tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Despite the 90-day pause on most of the hefty "reciprocal tariffs," the baseline 10% duty remains in effect. Gan specifically targeted pharmaceutical exports, which contribute over 10% of Singapore's exports to the US, as an issue of significant importance to Singapore. He also raised concerns about artificial intelligence chips, critical for data centers, and export controls affecting both countries.
The US, concerned about these export controls, and Singapore have been cooperating in developing export control systems. However, both countries aim to find "creative solutions" to ensure continued access for Singaporean companies to essential technologies and export opportunities.
In essence, while Singapore is grappling with the repercussions of US tariffs on its trade-dependent sectors, ongoing negotiations and diplomatic discussions offer potential for enhancing US-Singapore trade relations. The PAP's victory gives the government stability to focus on strengthening trade partnerships and ensuring economic resilience in the face of global uncertainties and trade challenges.
"In the policy-and-legislation sphere, negotiations on concessions for global tariffs, including those imposed by the US, will likely be a focus for Singapore's new government, given the significant impact of US tariffs on their exports, particularly pharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence chips.
Additionally, within the realm of politics and general news, the US-Singapore relationship, already robust, will continue to be a priority, as both countries seek creative solutions to maintain unfettered access for Singaporean companies to essential technologies amid ongoing export control discussions."
