Although annual real GDP growth is expected to moderate in the short term, it is forecast at a respectable 3.7% in 2022, versus 2% for the developed countries average that year, but will be negatively affected by supply constraints and the war in Ukraine.
With total goods exports equating to 108% of GDP in 2021, Singapore demonstrates that it has a very open economy. Furthermore, Singapore is very dependent on imports of food and energy, given the small size of its geographical territory that prohibits agriculture, whilst the country has limited natural resources. Total goods imports accounted for 95.3% of GDP in 2021. It’s very open economy and high reliance on imports make Singapore’s external sector extremely vulnerable to global fluctuations in trade, with demand and supply changes considerably affecting the economy.
Singapore is expected to remain one of the wealthiest nations in the world. An advanced technology sector and extensive free trade policies have cemented Singapore’s image as an attractive location for international companies, contributing significantly to the increase in the highest earning class.
The wealthy and affluent consumer segment is forecast to grow continuously in both numbers and net wealth, supported by a favorable tax regime, driving expenditure on ‘inconspicuous consumption’ categories, such as education and health goods and medical services. Additionally, the country will continue to boast one of the highest savings per capita levels globally, which is forecast to continue to rise over the period to 2030. These combined factors will help to support discretionary spending in Singapore.
Singapore has concluded free trade agreements with Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the U.S. and is negotiating free trade agreements with the Gulf States, Canada, Chile, China, India, South Korea, Jordan and Sri Lanka. A recently concluded free trade agreement with the EU is one of the most ambitious commercial accords the EU has ever struck. Singapore is also expected to become an associate member of the Pacific Alliance which presently consists of Colombia, Chile, Mexico and Peru. Finally, the city-state is a member of the 11-member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which was formally created in March 2018.
At the end of 2020, Singapore became a member of the largest trade bloc in the world, the RCEP, which stands for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. The trade bloc consists of 15 countries from the Asia Pacific and Australasian regions, such as China, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Thailand and Australia, and aims to promote more active regional trading, thanks to the elimination of tariffs on goods traded within a bloc. The deal is also expected to strengthen intra-regional investment and enhance regional supply chains through harmonization of trade and investment policies and procedures. Trade-dependent Singapore is expected to strongly benefit from the deal, thanks to the country’s large business presence in regional supply chains. Furthermore, regional cooperation is anticipated to support faster trade recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Singapore relies on manufacturing, finance and tourism to provide most of its growth but that leaves it especially vulnerable to downturns in consumer demand in wealthy countries. At the same time, the city-state’s strong competitive position has allowed it to accumulate a huge amount of foreign exchange reserves – amongst the largest in Asia. This buffer offers ample protection in times when the global and regional environment slumps.
The population reached 5.9 million in 2022, (CIA World Factbook Est.), up from 4.3 million in 2000. By 2030, officials expect the population to be 6 million. Singapore’s society is ageing even while the population grows. Median age was 41.8 years in 2022, nearly 8 years greater than in 2000. The number of elderly (those over 65 years) represented 11% of total population in 2021 and the share will rise to 25.3% by 2030.
The proportion of the population aged 65 or over is growing and the youth population is shrinking. Singapore is projected to experience one of the largest percentage point increases in the elderly share of the population at 21% between 2019 and 2050, according to the UN. The working-age population (aged 15-64) will gradually decrease, leaving fewer workers to economically support the elderly population.
USDA’s Office of Agricultural Affairs, OAA, hereinafter referred to as “FAS Singapore” reports that Singapore’s highly import dependent, multi-billion-dollar food industry is driven by robust consumer spending, high disposable incomes, and intense urbanization. The country’s trade and regulatory policies are focused on ensuring consistent foreign supply of high-quality food and agricultural products. Singapore’s total agricultural and related product imports in 2021 reached US$17.2 billion, with the United States capturing a 9% market share.
Market “Advantages” (U.S. supplier strengths and Singapore market opportunities) and “Challenges” (U.S. supplier weaknesses and competitive threats).
In 2021, the U.S. exported US$1.3 billion in total agricultural products to Singapore, an increase of 22% from 2020, which ranked it 5th in size in the region. Of that amount US$496.3 million were in consumer-oriented products, an increase of 1%, but 38% of the agricultural total. Singapore also imported US$677.7 million in U.S. processed food exports in 2021, an increase of 26%, ranking 3rd in the region, and 52.1% of the agricultural total. When processed food exports are more than half of the agricultural total and higher than the consumer oriented sector it makes Singapore a premium destination for value added foods.
Top U.S. exports of processed foods to Singapore in 2021 included:
“All of Food Export’s programs were a tremendous help getting us export ready, understanding the challenges that come with international business, and learning how to navigate them.”
Katz Gluten Free
Food Export-Northeast Participant since 2018
Euromonitor has estimated the retail sales value of packaged foods in Singapore at US$3.2 billion in 2022. This represents an increase of 20.8% or US$553.1 million since 2018. They have also forecast the packaged food retail sales to reach over US$3.9 billion by 2026, an increase of 22.3% or US$715.2 million from 2018.
High growth products in the forecast include:
FAS Singapore reports that Singapore’s food retail sector is highly developed and competitive. The industry is comprised of a range of large supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, “mom and pop” traditional stores, and specialty retailers. Industry analysts report total retail food sales surpassed US$7 billion USD in 2021. The sector is dominated by three key players: the NTUC Fair Price Cooperative, Dairy Farm Group, and Sheng Siong Supermarket Chain.
Singapore’s economy experienced a slowdown in 2021 triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted business activity in various sectors. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in a spike of food and energy prices as well as supply chain disruptions. Export restrictions in supplying countries are felt in Singapore as the country is import dependent.
In particular, Malaysia’s recent export ban on live chickens and fresh poultry has caused fresh poultry related businesses to shut temporarily as one-third of supplies came from Malaysia. Despite these factors, the outlook for the sector is strong, and will continue as the consumer market is supported by high disposable incomes. The Singapore Government continues to provide economic stimulus measures and monetary aids to both businesses and individuals to mitigate economic hardship.
NTUC Fairprice is Singapore's largest retailer (supermarkets, hypermarkets, gas marts and convenience stores), with a market share of 35%. Their retail formats include FairPrice, Finest, FairPrice Xtra, and FairPrice Xpress supermarkets or hypermarkets and Cheers is their convenience store. Housebrand/Private label lines include: FairPrice, Gold, Home Proud, Pasar and Pasar Organic. Their Exclusive Brands are Kirkland Signature, 365, and Tesco. They are all known to procure from consolidates, distributors, local importers and direct from exporters. They target all income groups with different retail formats.
Dairy Farm Group is Singapore's 2nd largest retailer (supermarkets, hypermarkets, gourmet stores and convenience stores). They have a market share of 15%. Their retail format includes Cold Storage, CS Fresh and Giant supermarkets and 7Eleven convenience stores. Their Housebrand/Private label lines are Meadows, Papa Alfredo, Captain Catch, and Giant. Their exclusive brands include Waitrose & Partners, Duchy Organics, and Alison's Pantry. They are known to procure from consolidators, distributors, local importers, and direct from exporters. They target middle and upper income group while the hypermarkets target middle to lower income groups.
Singapore's 3rd largest retailer is Sheng Siong. Their retail formats include: Supermarkets with "wet & dry" market experience. They are located across the island, mostly in suburban neighborhood areas. Their Housebrand/Private label lines include: Happy Family, Tasty Bites, Jean Fresh, Homeniks, Heritage Farm, Bake For You, and PowerPlus. They are known to procure from distributors, local importers, and direct from exporters. They target middle to lower income groups.
Other retailers include:
Convenience is a key consideration in Singapore, especially for time-strapped working consumers. The preference is towards modern grocery retailers that offer one-stop shopping experience. There are an increasing number of independent specialty retail stores selling premium gourmet and/or organic and wholesome/natural food products. Premium supermarkets and independent specialty retail stores located in upscale residential areas have seen stronger growth as they cater to upper income consumers and expatriates with higher disposable income.
Singapore is experiencing high saturation in convenience stores. As many convenience stores are located near each other, competition is intense. To reduce costs, many convenience store operations are making use of cutting-edge technology to pilot unmanned stores/kiosks.
Best Product Prospects:
FAS Singapore reports that top prospective U.S. products for the sector include food preparations, dairy, fresh fruit, processed vegetables, bakery goods, cereals and pasta, poultry, and beef products, chocolate and cocoa products.
According to Euromonitor, Singapore’s food service sector (which includes hotels, restaurants, casual dining, fast food outlets and local food stalls) was valued at nearly US$6.6 billion in 2019 and has grown steadily over the past five years. The sector was badly affected by Covid-19. The pandemic and ensuing travel restrictions have had a severe impact on the Singaporean HRI industry as it is highly dependent on tourism and consumer expenditures.
According to Euromonitor, due to the government-imposed COVID-19 safe-distancing precautionary measures, third-party food delivery services have dramatically increased in use throughout the city. Singapore’s food service industry is highly diverse with a broad range of Asian and Western cuisines widely available in dining formats ranging from food stalls to full-service restaurants. Fast and convenient food options are increasingly popular for time-strapped consumers. Healthy and organic products are becoming very popular. Major retailers and department stores are investing more in foodservice in order to provide shoppers with a combined shopping and dining experience. International franchise dining chains are highly prevalent and popular in Singapore.
Competition in the HRI/food service supply market is aggressive from certain low-cost countries in some of the United States’ core target markets for example, chicken (Brazil) and fish fillets (Vietnam). Competition from other quality countries, for example, Australia (freight advantages), New Zealand and some European countries (for example, France and Netherlands) because of strong and longstanding links between exporters in these countries and their loyal importers in Singapore. European exporters also benefit from demands for provenance (original origin of products) and also from very strong demand-pull from European executive chefs who work in 4 to 6 star hotels in Singapore.
Best Product Prospects:
FAS Singapore reports that the top U.S. product prospects for the Singaporean HRI industry include dairy, fresh & processed fruit, pork, poultry, and snack foods.
Major suppliers include Australia and New Zealand (dairy products) and Malaysia and China (fresh vegetables). The United States is also a major supplier of dairy products, as well as processed vegetables, fats and oils, food preparations and ingredients, and snacks.
In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, the Singaporean Government implemented several measures to curb COVID-19 transmission, including a “circuit breaker” lockdown where residents had to work and study at home as much as possible. During that time, consumers rushed to stockpile essential foods, including packaged food items like prepared meats, noodles, and cooking ingredients such as sauces and flavorings.
The Covid measures have been eased since then, but some practices are still in place such as social distancing and wearing masks. The pandemic has encouraged Singaporeans to be more mindful of possible supply chain disruptions, climate change’s effects on food security, and widespread food waste which is of course one of the major global challenges. In 2020, Singapore generated 665,000 tons of food waste, which constituted to about 11% of the total waste generated in the country.
Some product types also saw increased sales, such as those perceived as “healthy” or “immune boosting,” low-cost, or convenient. These included probiotics and fortified packaged food products, processed fruits and vegetables, and frozen ready-to-eat meals. With the easing of restrictions, retail sales of processed/packaged food products are likely to drop, especially as more people eat out as additional businesses and restaurants reopen, and people increasingly return to work. Several major trends seeded in 2020 that are likely to continue include the increased usage of technology in the food and beverage industry and food delivery services.
Most local food manufactures are small-scale operators based in factories within industrial areas. Larger food manufacturers are usually multinational companies, and sometimes produce for the export market. Another general type of food manufacturer is involved in providing food preparation services, such as the processing of meat and vegetables, to hotels and restaurants.
Best Product Prospects:
FAS Singapore reports that top prospective U.S. food processing ingredient products for the Singapore market include animal fats, dairy, vegetable oils, processed vegetables, tree nuts, and beef products.
Your Connection To Growth®
©2024 Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA–Northeast. All Rights Reserved.
Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations or alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact us. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online https://www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer.
Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast reserve the right to deny services to any firm or individual which, in the sole opinion of Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast, does not comply with FAS, MAP or Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast regulations or policies, or otherwise offer the best opportunity to achieve its mission of increasing food and agricultural exports. Submission of any false or misleading information may be grounds for rejection or subsequent revocation of any application or participation. Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast are equal opportunity employers and providers.
