In contrast, exports to top markets such as China (11.9 per cent), Hong Kong (16.5 per cent) and Taiwan (2 per cent) grew. Meanwhile, NODX in all the other top markets tracked – Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia – declined.
Overall, total trade fell 1.8 per cent in March, reversing from the 3.5 per cent growth in February. Total exports declined by 3.4 per cent, while total imports decreased by 0.1 per cent. In February, total exports expanded 1.7 per cent, while total imports grew 5.6 per cent.
On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, however, total trade gained 2.2 per cent in March, turning around from February’s 0.5 per cent decline.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the level of total trade reached S$106.9 billion, more than the preceding month’s S$104.5 billion. Total exports rose 0.9 per cent, and imports grew 3.7 per cent.
In February, EnterpriseSG upgraded its full-year forecast for NODX, tipping key exports to grow
4 to 6 per cent year on year. The agency projected “modest growth” for the year ahead and a recovery in electronics.