BIZSpoke | Navigating US Tariffs SBFs New Playbook Helps You Respond Strategically

23 MAY 2025

SBF Launches Playbook to Help Businesses Navigate U.S. Tariffs and Global Trade Risks

SBF has launched a playbook to help firms tackle tariff challenges, offering guidance on trade exposure, financing, and supply chain resilience. With nearly half of businesses expecting rising costs and three-quarters forecasting revenue drops, SBF is calling for improved financing access and funded trade advisory—especially for SMEs. Many firms are already pivoting to Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. SBF aims to drive practical, government-supported solutions to help businesses adapt and thrive. Click here to read more.

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SBF Poll Reveals Urgent Business Response to U.S. Tariffs

A flash poll by SBF’s Centre for the Future of Trade and Investment (CFOTI) reveals growing concern among Singapore businesses over escalating U.S. tariffs. Nearly 90% of respondents expect greater impact within six months, and 75% foresee revenue declines. While few plan wage cuts, hiring will slow, and most expect to raise prices. Companies are diversifying into Southeast Asia and beyond, calling for tax relief, financial support, and clearer regulatory guidance. Click here to read more.

VIEW POLL FINDINGS

Clarity on Trade Rules Key to Business Confidence and Growth

SBF CEO Kok Ping Soon shared that Singapore firms are responding to U.S. tariffs in three ways: evaluating the tariff impact on pricing and trade value, preserving working capital due to delayed payments, and diversifying markets and supply chains beyond the U.S. He stressed the need for clarity on what defines “secure supply chains.” On China, he noted that inconsistent trade policies—not tariffs alone—are dampening business confidence, making it difficult for companies to plan, invest, and innovate.

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WHAT'S NEW

SBF Welcomes Back Mr S.S. Teo as Chairman, Thanks Mr Lim for Steadfast Leadership

SBF has reappointed Mr S.S. Teo as Chairman, succeeding Mr Lim Ming Yan after five years of transformative leadership. Mr Teo, who previously chaired SBF from 2014 to 2020, returns with a strong focus on regional integration and global business growth. He also leads the Internationalisation Action Committee. SBF CEO Kok Ping Soon lauded Mr Lim’s steady guidance and expressed confidence in Mr Teo’s global outlook to further SBF’s mission amid shifting economic tides.

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SOCIALLY IMPACTFUL

Doing Good is Good Business. Here’s how to Convince Singapore Companies

CEO of SBF Foundation and Chief Social Sustainability Officer of SBF Jean Tan urged businesses to embed social sustainability into core strategies—not just as a moral duty, but as a smart business move. Citing the SBF National Business Survey 2023, which found fewer than half of companies contribute to communities, she called for stronger incentives, advisory support, and a national framework. “Doing good,” she stressed, “is a strategic investment in revenue, talent retention, and resilience.”

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SUPPORTED EVENTS

Make Sustainability Work for your SME — Join the UNGCNS SME Sustainability Day

Spark ideas, make meaningful connections, and take action at UN Global Compact Network Singapore's SME Sustainability Day. Held in celebration of UN MSME Day, the event is designed to empower small businesses to go Forward Faster in their Sustainability journey.