SMU School of Social Sciences Dean Professor James Tang commented on U.S.  President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP). He said that the departure of the U.S. from the trade deal, while widely anticipated, will encourage negative sentiments and uncertainty on the role of the U.S. in the region both economically and strategically, dampening business sentiments here. Prof Tang, however, noted that it does not mean that trade and economic activities between the U.S. will disappear, stressing that economic links between the U.S. and Southeast is still strong and Singapore will remain an important trade partner to the US.

Prof Tang also pointed out that Australia and New Zealand have proposed a TPP 12 minus 1 to keep the trade deal alive. The Australian Prime Minister even suggested that there is scope for other countries to consider joining such an agreement in the absence of US membership. Such deal, however might still mean fresh negotiations.