Singapore said its sales tax will rise to 9 percent from 7 percent, but the change will only come “sometime” between 2021 and 2025, making it likely that the increase would kick in after the city-state’s next general election. Economists had identified the goods and services tax or GST as one levy that Singapore could raise, as the city state balances the need for more revenue, maintaining its competitiveness, and concern that a tax increase could crimp household budgets. The GST was last revised in 2007, from 5 to 7 percent. Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat also said during his Budget speech on Monday, the Government will impose a 10 per cent increase in tobacco excise duty in a bid to discourage consumption, and will be implemented across all tobacco products with effect from Monday.