Singapore’s economic trajectory took a welcome turn this past quarter, thanks to a surprising surge in export-driven growth. According to Nomura’s latest analysis using their revamped Coincident Monthly Activity Indicator (CMAI), the city-state managed to narrowly avoid falling into a technical recession in Q2 2025.
Behind the impressive numbers lies a remarkable turnaround – a whopping 1.5% sequential GDP growth rate that eclipses the dismal -0.6% logged during the previous three months. Attributing this revival are industry leaders who capitalized on strategic frontloading and rerouting strategies, leading to improved performance across multiple fronts including manufacturing output and related business-to-business activities.
Undeterred by regional market fluctuations or global uncertainty, Nomura sticks firmly behind its prediction for Singapore’s 2025 overall gross domestic product expansion reaching an ambitious 2.0 percent – well within striking distance of the central bank-endorsed benchmark. Their revised methodology adds another four statistics, totaling sixteen key service-oriented metrics that will help refine projections further still; specifically integrating maritime cargo flow metrics along side aerial travel data streams.
Meanwhile economists speculate about sustained momentum going forward, fueled primarily through substantial gains witnessed among producers operating domestically coupled alongside flourishing international trading divisions. Factoring all considerations together gives reason enough to feel confident regarding mid-July preliminary GDP results announcement slated upon scheduled date.
However despite prevailing optimism voices do remain cautious warning signs ahead stemming potentially adverse consequences resulting after exporters prematurely shipped high volumes early then struggled maintaining same tempo later part yr combined threats posed uncertain U.S customs duty practices adding yet another layer stress testing SG local markets resilience nonetheless anticipation exists officials plan implementing timely fiscal interventions mitigating unforeseen setbacks arising subsequently