Singapore economy

UOB lifts 2026 Singapore GDP forecast on ‘solid’ Q4 growth, ‘outperformance’ in 2025; RHB maintains projections

AI-related electronics demand, improving trade dynamics and anticipated global monetary easing are set to drive economic expansion

The linchpin electronics sector grows 0.3 point to 50.9, marking the seventh consecutive month of expansion.

Singapore PMI edges higher in December on firmer orders and output

The overall purchasing managers’ index is up 0.1 point at 50.3, marking the fifth straight month of expansion

The Republic’s economy expanded 4.8% year on year in 2025, while Q4 GDP growth came in at 5.7%, advance estimates from MTI showed.

Economists hold 2026 Singapore growth forecasts despite strong 2025 finish

This year’s risks include trade policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and manufacturing normalisation

In 2026, the Ministry of Trade and Industry expects Singapore’s economy to grow by between 1% and 3%.

Singapore’s economy up 4.8% in 2025; Q4 GDP comes in at 5.7%

On a seasonally adjusted, quarterly basis, economic growth is at 1.9%

The priorities of Singapore's 4G leadership – led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong – should become clearer in 2026.
OUTLOOK 2026

Transition in full swing: The 4G leadership’s direction and Budget 2026 priorities

With the election over, the focus may be on long-term issues such as climate change and the ageing population

Singapore enters 2026 in better-than-expected economic condition, with full-year GDP growth for 2025 forecast at “around 4%”.
THINKING ALOUD

Now that the party’s over

After a better-than-expected 2025, greater sobriety might be in order for 2026

To remain competitive, Singapore cannot “simply do more of the same”, says Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his New Year message.

Singapore posts stronger-than-expected 4.8% growth in 2025, but sustaining pace will be challenging: PM Wong

The prime minister flags ageing population, clean-energy needs and longer lifespans as long-term challenges to tackle

Even if hiring demand remains positive, employers are becoming more selective, say recruiters.
OUTLOOK 2026

More contract hiring, higher foreign labour costs: The trends shaping Singapore’s manpower landscape in 2026

Gloomier hiring sentiment persists despite economy ending year on better-than-expected note

Biomedical manufacturing was the best-performing cluster in November, with output surging 79.3% year on year.

Singapore factory output rises 14.3% in November, moderating from October’s growth

Pharmaceuticals and electronics – exempt from US tariffs for now – lead growth

Reservations for French restaurant Brasserie Gavroche came in earlier this December compared to 2024, especially for corporate set lunches and dinners.

Singapore F&B players see stronger festive demand, but retailers report uneven spending

Hotels and restaurants have not had cutbacks in festive spending despite the challenging economic environment