Retail sales fall 3.6% in February as tariffs loom

Muted sentiment: Pedestrians in Singapore. Analysts say retail sales are forecast to remain subdued this year. — AFP

SINGAPORE: Retail sales in Singapore fell more than expected in February, with analysts expecting negative fallout ahead from the latest US tariffs announced last week.

The impact on Singapore’s economy from the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs could hurt consumer spending and confidence, especially if it leads to slower hiring and job losses, they said.