Singaporean government announces new grant following global trade disruption

The Singapore Economic Resilience Task Force (SERT) has indicated that the grant will offer up to S$100,000 (approx. US$78,000) per company, while requiring co-funding by eligible firms.

The funding will target businesses most likely to be impacted by the uncertainty surrounding the United States’s tariffs. The grant was announced two days after the Trump administration began sending letters outlining its intention to implement new tariffs.

Gan Kim Yong, deputy Prime Minister and chairman of SERT, said that the new tariffs would “prolong the uncertainty and challenges for economies around the world, and add to the headwinds in global trade depressing economic growth.”

The grant will support two types of businesses. The first includes firms that export to or operate in overseas markets and are exposed to tariff-related disruptions. The second comprises businesses with local or overseas manufacturing operations that require additional support with reconfiguration costs, including logistics and inventory-holding expenses. For the first group, the grant will cover advisory services related to free trade agreements, trade compliance, legal and contractual matters, supply chain optimisation and market diversification.

The grant has been structured to differentiate between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and larger firms, with further details to be announced in October 2025. SMEs, which account for approximately two-thirds of Singapore’s workforce and a significant total of Singaporeans, are projected to receive a higher amount of support.

To support workers amid ongoing economic uncertainty, the government and NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (NTUC-e2i) will also expand access to career guidance services.

In parallel, to help employers better support their workforce, the government will introduce temporary enhanced funding for basic HR certification programmes. This would equip employers with the ability to better manage and support their workforce during periods of instability.

Mayumi Soh, an expert in employment law at Pinsent Masons, said, “The targeted measures announced reflects the government's commitment to enhancing employability and strengthening business resilience, while also encouraging businesses to build their internal capabilities.”

“Firms are encouraged to stay updated on developments related to the grant and assess their eligibility. They may also consider aligning their business transformation and hiring plans accordingly,” Soh said.

“Since the grant will also cover advisory services relating to free trade agreements and legal and contractual matters, eligible firms should consider seeking legal advice in this regard.”