Singaporeans are increasingly viewing the US and its products unfavourably following the reintroduction of tariffs on Asian goods by Donald Trump, according to the latest SensingSG survey by Blackbox Research. The survey, conducted from 1 to 8 July 2025, highlights a significant shift in public sentiment, with nearly half of respondents indicating a worsened perception of the US.
The data reveals that 49% of Singaporeans now view President Trump negatively due to his tariff policies, whilst only 30% have a positive view. Furthermore, 35% of respondents have reduced their spending on American goods and services in the past six months, contrasting with increased spending on Singaporean and Chinese products.
David Black, CEO of Blackbox Research, noted, “The Trump tariffs are not just seen as abstract economic measures—they’re impacting cultural sentiment.” He added that many Singaporeans are reconsidering their purchasing decisions, with 44% planning to avoid American products in the future.
Chinese brands are gaining traction in Singapore, particularly in categories like electronics, fashion, and motor vehicles, where they have surpassed US offerings. This shift is occurring amidst a backdrop of rising domestic confidence, with 90% of Singaporeans believing the country is on the right track.
The survey also indicates improving economic sentiment, with 86% rating current national economic conditions positively and 57% expecting further improvement in the coming year. As Singaporeans experience easing cost pressures and stabilising fundamentals, the challenge remains to maintain this momentum in a volatile global environment.
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