Affected by US tariff policies, companies are rushing to ship goods early. To meet the surge in operational demand, PSA Singapore (Port of Singapore Authority) plans to add around 2,500 employees in 2025, covering frontline port operations, information technology, data science, and other positions.

Singapore's Minister of Transport, Chee Hong Tat, informed the media at the Pasir Panjang Terminal on May 16 that the United States suspended tariffs on Southeast Asian imports for 90 days starting from April 9. This move led to companies shipping goods early to avoid potential tariff increases, resulting in a short-term peak in freight demand at the Port of Singapore. He noted that while there are still some complexities in the bulk and tanker industries, container shipping is performing strongly, injecting confidence into Singapore's maritime industry.

According to Zhongjin, PSA set a new record in 2024 with a throughput of 41.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), surpassing the peak of 39 million TEU in 2023. The first phase of Tuas Port's construction progress is smooth and will continue to expand and operate in the coming years. Additionally, the Pasir Panjang Terminal is advancing automation in loading and unloading, unmanned handling vehicles, and 5G IoT (Internet of Things) technology, enhancing the hardware and software capabilities of Singapore's port cluster significantly.

Recent data released by PSA shows that from January to April 2025, the container throughput across its port terminals reached 14.2 million TEU, a 6.1% year-on-year increase, with expectations to set another throughput record high this year.

By strengthening talent reserves and skills training, PSA aims to enhance overall supply chain visualization and response speed while maintaining efficient operations, providing higher quality and more reliable port services to global customers.

Chee Hong Tat stated, "Investment keeps us competitive, and technology is one area that can further enhance our competitiveness and productivity." He mentioned how technology helps alleviate the shortage of heavy vehicle drivers.

Looking ahead, Chee emphasized the need to examine the entire maritime industry and improve other services. He stated, "The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will continue to seek new opportunities, attract new investments, collaborate with existing players to expand their operations in Singapore, identify new training needs and skills for companies, and work with higher education institutions to train students."

In conclusion, he stated, "Regardless of how the global supply chain evolves, Singapore will remain a crucial hub and key node in the global supply chain. No matter how customers change, we hope they continue to choose to pass through Singapore and dock at PSA by providing a strong value proposition."