Singapore economy grows 5.4pc in 3Q 2026, slower than previous quarter, says trade ministry

Buildings are seen shrouded by haze in Singapore on October 9, 2026. Singapore’s economy grew by 5.4 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2026, moderating from 6.2 per cent growth in the previous quarter, according to advance estimates from the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry. — AFP pic

First Published: Wednesday, 14 Oct 2026 12:14 PM MYT

SINGAPORE, Oct 14 — Singapore’s economy grew by 5.4 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) in the third quarter (3Q) of 2026, moderating from 6.2 per cent growth in the previous quarter, according to advance estimates from the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (MTI).

On a quarter-on-quarter, seasonally adjusted basis, the economy expanded by 1.1 per cent, easing from 1.5 per cent growth in the second quarter, it said in a statement today.

MTI said the manufacturing sector grew by 7.5 per cent y-o-y in 3Q, slowing from 12.9 per cent growth in the previous quarter.

The growth was supported by output expansions in the electronics, precision engineering, transport engineering and general manufacturing clusters, which outweighed declines in the chemicals and biomedical manufacturing clusters.

“The construction sector expanded by 8.8 per cent y-o-y in 3Q, faster than the 6.1 per cent growth in the preceding quarter, as both public and private sector construction output increased,” it said.

Among the services sectors, the wholesale and retail trade, and transportation and storage sectors collectively grew by 8.0 per cent y-o-y in 3Q, extending the 6.9 per cent growth in the previous quarter.

Meanwhile, the group of sectors comprising information and communications, finance and insurance, and professional services expanded by 4.3 per cent y-o-y in 3Q, easing from 5.1 per cent growth in the previous quarter.

Growth in the remaining group of services sectors — accommodation and food services, real estate, administrative and support services, and other services industries — came in at 2.1 per cent y-o-y, following 2.4 per cent growth in the preceding quarter, MTI added. — Bernama