Singapore factory output expands in July, driven by precision engineering and sustained AI demand
All clusters except biomedical manufacturing and chemicals recorded output growth.
Singapore's manufacturing output increased by 6.8% in July compared to the same period last year, as reported by the Economic Development Board on August 26. This growth surpassed the 6.7% forecast by economists in a Bloomberg poll. The expansion was observed across all industrial clusters except biomedical manufacturing and chemicals.
The precision engineering cluster demonstrated the most significant growth, with an 17.7% increase in July. Within this cluster, the machinery and systems segment expanded by 18.2%, propelled by higher production of semiconductor equipment. The precision modules and components segment grew 15%, primarily driven by optical instruments, electronic connectors, metal precision components, dies, moulds, tools, jigs, and fixtures.
The electronics industry, accounting for nearly half of Singapore's manufacturing output, saw a 11.2% year-on-year increase in July, driven by sustained demand for artificial intelligence-related products. The infocomms and consumer electronics sectors contributed significantly to this growth, with semiconductor production rising 8%, and infocomms and consumer electronics adding 51.7%. Computer peripherals and data storage saw a 0.8% increase, while other electronic modules and components expanded by 2.5%.
Other manufacturing sectors also reported growth, with the general manufacturing output increasing by 4.9%. Within this cluster, printing rose 2.7%, while the food, beverages, and tobacco segment expanded by 10.4%. However, the miscellaneous industries segment contracted by 5.9%, due to lower production of structural metal products and furniture.
The transport engineering sector experienced a 10.8% increase, with land and aerospace segments expanding within the cluster. However, marine and offshore engineering growth was hampered by reduced production of oil and gas field equipment. The aerospace sector rose by 15.8%, driven by higher production of aircraft parts and sustained maintenance, repair, and overhaul jobs from commercial airlines.
In contrast, biomedical manufacturing output declined by 5.3% year-on-year, mainly due to a different mix of active pharmaceutical ingredients being produced. The medical technology sector also saw a dip of 2.2% due to softer export orders for medical devices. The chemicals industry experienced a 10.6% decrease in output compared to the previous year, with petroleum and petrochemicals sectors shrinking by 7% and 48.7%, respectively, due to plant maintenance, softer demand, and feedstock supply disruptions.
This decline was partially offset by growth in the other chemicals and specialties segments, driven by increased production of perfumes and fragrances and additives.
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