Singapore’s wholesale trade sector experienced varied performance in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the latest data from the Department of Statistics. Domestic wholesale sales fell by 1.1% compared to the same period in 2024, though excluding petroleum, sales rose by 1.1%. In contrast, foreign wholesale sales increased by 1.8%, and when excluding petroleum, the rise was a significant 8.2%.
The domestic market saw a mixed performance across industries. The Household Equipment & Furniture and Metals, Timber & Construction Materials sectors faced declines of 17.9% and 17.5% respectively, largely due to reduced demand for household electrical appliances and metals. However, the General Wholesale Trade and Industrial & Construction Machinery sectors reported robust growth, with sales increasing by 27.7% and 18.7% respectively.
Foreign sales also showed diverse trends. The Electronic Components industry experienced a substantial 55.7% increase, driven by global demand. Similarly, the Telecommunications & Computers sector grew by 29.2% due to stronger demand for computer software and accessories. The Ship Chandlers & Bunkering industry saw a 20.2% decline in foreign sales, attributed to reduced bunker fuel sales.
These figures highlight the dynamic nature of Singapore’s wholesale trade sector, with significant variations across different industries. The data underscores the importance of sector-specific strategies to navigate the changing market landscape.
