The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) has launched the “Navigating U.S. Tariffs” Playbook to aid Singapore businesses in addressing the challenges posed by recent US tariff changes. This initiative follows an SBF poll conducted in April 2025, which revealed that 81% of nearly 300 surveyed businesses expect negative impacts from the tariffs, with multinational corporations (MNCs) and large enterprises being more vulnerable than small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The poll highlighted that three in five businesses anticipate a need for additional working capital, whilst many seek tax relief and clearer Free Trade Agreement (FTA) guidance. In response, SBF’s Centre for the Future of Trade and Investment (CFOTI), in collaboration with partners such as DBS Bank and DHL Express Singapore, developed the Playbook. It offers a phased approach to help companies assess risk, take immediate action, and plan for long-term resilience.
The Playbook’s three phases include “Make Sense” (0–3 months) for risk assessment, “Take Action” (4–12 months) for supply chain reconfiguration, and “Plan Ahead” (12+ months) for building resilience through digitalisation and market diversification. SBF CEO Kok Ping Soon emphasised the importance of structured guidance amidst the uncertainty caused by erratic US tariff policies.
To further support businesses, CFOTI will conduct workshops and briefings on tariff rules and FTA utilisation, complemented by strategic partner support in legal, financial, and logistics areas. This comprehensive approach aims to move companies from awareness to action, ensuring they are well-prepared for the evolving global trade landscape.
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