Can I negotiate a higher salary after being an intern at the company with significant experience despite what’s going on in the economy?

As a hirer, i think there is a strong yes to this answer but then again it all still boils down to whether you are consider an asset to the company and how much potential and worth you have to the co. If we think you are darn good(but we usually dont tell you this) we will usually neg your way. But there still a cap to our willingness and we will peg that to existing talents(and their pay) so if you somehow manage to sound out the average salary within the co n your worth to the company. Good for you (: and also if the company is willing to make an offer after your internship. There a gd chance your talent is being recognised.

This year, most of the fresh grads are only allowed to take up traineeship (with a salary cap of $2.5K). So in the current situation, if the company proposes to give you within the usual average fresh grad pay, it is considered very good! It is also dependent on the industry because the pay varies slightly across industries.

You can try to negotiate for upper range, but it depends on the company budget.​​​

You can ask for higher pay and best if it's something you are comfortable with. So if you are comfortable with $4,500, then ask for that instead of $4,000. The company isn't likely to retract its offer just because your expectations are higher.

Does your effort officially / unofficially recognized by your line manager? If yes then you should have more bargaining power.

If it is only your opinion that you brought positive influence to the company, then it might be a different story.