SG Talk

S'pore economy beginning to slow down as uncertainty looms: DPM Gan - Mothership.SG - News from Singapore, Asia and around the world
https://mothership.sg/2025/05/gan-kim-yo...-measures/


Here are some potential inconsistencies, contradictions, or flaws in the article:

1. **Uncertainty vs. Encouraging Developments** – DPM Gan acknowledges that the U.S.-China agreement to pause tariffs is an "encouraging development," yet he repeatedly emphasizes that the global economic outlook remains "very uncertain"[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://mothership.sg/2025/05/gan-kim-yo...1daa162054 "1"). While caution is reasonable, the article does not reconcile how these two perspectives interact—whether the agreement meaningfully mitigates risks or if uncertainty still outweighs any positive impact.

2. **Tariff Pause vs. Long-Term Impact** – The article highlights that the U.S. has paused reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, but it does not explore what happens after this period[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://mothership.sg/2025/05/gan-kim-yo...1daa162054 "1"). If the tariffs resume at previous levels, the temporary relief may not significantly alter Singapore’s economic trajectory. The article does not critically assess whether businesses should expect sustained improvement or merely a short-term reprieve.

3. **GDP Forecast Downgrade** – The Ministry for Trade and Industry downgraded Singapore’s GDP growth forecast from **1.0–3.0% to 0.0–2.0%**[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://mothership.sg/2025/05/gan-kim-yo...1daa162054 "1"). However, the article does not explain whether this downgrade was solely due to global trade uncertainties or if domestic factors (such as inflation, labor market shifts, or sector-specific downturns) also played a role.

4. **Policy Measures vs. Economic Slowdown** – The article mentions that the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce (SERT) is working on potential measures to support businesses and workers[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://mothership.sg/2025/05/gan-kim-yo...1daa162054 "1"). However, it does not provide details on how these measures will directly counteract the slowdown. Without specifics, it is unclear whether these interventions will be sufficient or if they are merely preparatory steps.

5. **Contradiction in Business Sentiment** – The article states that some businesses are worried about cash flow and working capital[43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054](https://mothership.sg/2025/05/gan-kim-yo...1daa162054 "1"), yet it also suggests that SERT is engaging with major employers to create more job opportunities. If businesses are struggling financially, their ability to expand hiring may be limited. The article does not address this contradiction or explain how firms can balance financial constraints with workforce expansion.

Questions:




### **1. Uncertainty vs. Encouraging Developments**
   - Given the **U.S.-China tariff pause**, does the government anticipate any immediate economic boost, or is the expectation that uncertainty will still dominate investment decisions? 
   - How does Singapore assess the risk of **geopolitical volatility overriding short-term trade improvements**?

### **2. Tariff Pause vs. Long-Term Impact**
   - With the **90-day tariff relief**, how are Singaporean businesses expected to recalibrate their supply chains? Should firms anticipate policy shifts or continue preparing for potential tariff reinstatement?
   - Has Singapore identified key industries that will be **disproportionately affected** if tariffs resume?

### **3. GDP Forecast Downgrade**
   - The GDP forecast revision to **0.0–2.0%** suggests a notable slowdown. Does the government foresee structural weaknesses in **specific sectors** (e.g., finance, manufacturing) contributing to this trend?
   - Beyond external risks, how is Singapore addressing **domestic economic vulnerabilities**, such as inflation and rising operational costs?

### **4. Policy Measures vs. Economic Slowdown**
   - What **concrete actions** will the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce (SERT) take, and are there measurable success benchmarks?
   - How will the government **prioritize support for SMEs**, which may be more vulnerable to short-term economic shocks?

### **5. Contradiction in Business Sentiment**
   - Given **cash flow concerns among businesses**, what reassurances exist that firms will continue hiring instead of freezing recruitment efforts?
   - Are employers being incentivized to create jobs, or does the government expect organic labor market adjustments?

废话 ！Just tell us what has your TASK Force concluded

and what 5 Strategies will be implemented, lah!

Don't why Punggol voted you for what?

Thinking you are Opposition without power, no portfolio or cannot access STat Board Data?

If economy slow down, how come coe never come down?

(16-05-2025, 10:09 PM)winbig Wrote: [ -> ]If economy slow down, how come coe never come down?

他们的鬼话还有人信？
不怕遭雷劈！

Another fear tactics. more likely we will boom again. More tiny parts assembly manufacturing companies in the future for final assembled goods to enter USA at 10% much cheaper than eg China goods direct to USA at 30%.

(17-05-2025, 06:21 AM)A2Z Wrote: [ -> ]Another fear tactics. more likely we will boom again. More tiny parts assembly manufacturing companies in the future for final assembled goods to enter USA at 10% much cheaper than eg China goods direct to USA at 30%.

In first place must see the products mixed, a lot what we currently sell to US are currently different from China,
There will be some that may benefits, some face other competitors, furthermore current adminstration intention is to have 
own production lines in US. So we can be sure, only few benefits.  

Ratio of people worry are more than ratio that vote PAP in. 

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