Singapore’s non-oil domestic exports (NODX) experienced a remarkable 38.4% increase in May 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to Enterprise Singapore. This growth extends the 24.4% rise seen in April, driven primarily by a surge in electronic exports, which benefited from robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI) related products.
Electronic NODX soared by 94.8% in May, with integrated circuits (ICs), disk media products, and personal computers (PCs) leading the charge. Non-electronic exports also contributed to the growth, expanding by 17.7% during the same period. Pharmaceuticals, specialised machinery, and non-monetary gold were the top performers in this category.
The rise in exports was not limited to electronics. Non-oil re-exports (NORX) also saw a significant increase of 33.6% in May, following a 29.6% rise in April. This growth was again driven by electronics, with non-electronics also showing positive trends.
Singapore’s total merchandise trade grew by 39.7% in May, continuing the 33.0% expansion from the previous month. Both exports and imports contributed to this growth, with non-oil and oil exports rising by 34.9% and 43.1%, respectively.
The US, Taiwan, and China were among the top markets for Singapore’s exports, with notable increases in demand for electronics and pharmaceuticals. In particular, exports to Taiwan surged by 135.2%, whilst those to the US and China grew by 80.9% and 31.0%, respectively.
This robust performance in Singapore’s trade sector highlights the country’s strong position in the global market, particularly in the electronics and pharmaceutical industries. As AI-related demand continues to grow, Singapore’s export figures are likely to remain buoyant in the coming months.
