Manufacturing output up 6.8% in July, precision engineering tops

Precision engineering topped as manufacturing output in Singapore increased by 6.8 per cent in July, according to the Economic Development Board's (EDB) monthly manufacturing performance report for the month.

The report, published on Wednesday (Aug 26), compares data on a year-on-year basis, said that output has increased by eight per cent if biomedical manufacturing is excluded.

Precision engineering grew 17.7 per cent, according to EDB.

Within precision engineering, the machinery and systems segment recorded higher production of semiconductor equipment.

The precision modules and components segment increased output of optical instruments, electronic connectors, metal precision components and dies, moulds, tools, jigs and fixtures.

Electronics grew 11.2 per cent, led by the infocomms and consumer electronics segment and semiconductors segment, following the sustained demand for developments relating to artificial intelligence (AI).

Transport engineering went up by 10.8 per cent, with both the land and aerospace segments expanding.

The aerospace segment's growth was supported by higher production of aircraft parts and sustained maintenance, as well as repair and overhaul jobs from commercial airlines.

But lower production of oil and gas field equipment resulted in transport engineering growth being offset by the marine and offshore engineering segment, EDB stated.

General manufacturing industries grew 4.9 per cent, led by the food, beverages and tobacco segment as more beverage and dairy products.

The miscellaneous industries segment recorded lower production of structural metal products and furniture.

Biomedical manufacturing declined 5.3 per cent, as the medical technology segment recorded softer export orders for medical devices, while the pharmaceuticals segment saw a different mix of active pharmaceutical ingredients being produced.

EDB also stated that chemicals declined 10.6 per cent, as petroleum and petrochemicals segments dropped due to plant maintenance, softer demand and feedstock supply disruptions.

This was partially offset as higher production of perfumes and fragrances as well as additives led to growth in other chemicals and specialties segments.

The next monthly manufacturing performance report will be released on Sept 28.

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khooyihang@asiaone.com