Singapore factory output defies expectations to grow 11.1% in May

Singapore

SINGAPORE'S factory output continued to outperform in May, defying expectations of a slowdown in manufacturing.

But economists say this strong showing is unlikely to last - not least because of a baffling divergence between rising electronics production and shrinking exports in recent months.

Manufacturing growth was widely expected to moderate this year from last year's high base, as demand eases and global trade tensions take their toll.

The sector, which makes up a fifth of the economy, was a key growth driver last year, buoyed by strong global demand for electronic gadgets. But this strong showing showed no sign of easing in May. Output rose 11.1 per cent from the same month a year earlier, beating April's 9.1 per cent rise and also blowing past e…