Singapore Manufacturing Output Grows 10.1 Percent

Food manufacturing output in Singapore expanded by 2.8 percent in March, ending two months of decline. Manufacturing employment in Singapore rose from 570,000 in the fourth quarter to 700,000 in the first quarter of 2026. The services and construction sectors remained stable compared to the previous quarter. Strength in manufacturing was noted specifically within the electronics sector. Other pockets of manufacturing showed varying levels of activity. Growth was driven by a 30 percent increase in the electronics sector. An Economic Development Board report indicates 34 percent of manufacturers expect improving conditions, while 17 percent foresee a weaker outlook. More than half of precision engineering firms report optimism due to AI demand and semiconductor investments. The electronics sector led the growth with a 30 percent increase, marking the highest level in 16 months. The chemicals cluster remains the most pessimistic sector according to the report. Precision engineering firms remain optimistic due to semiconductor investments and AI demand. Conversely, the chemicals cluster and transport and storage industries expect challenging conditions due to rising prices and geopolitical tensions.