Singapore is one of Asia’s dominant trading hubs, and one sector that particularly stands out is the high-end electric and electronics market in Singapore. With over 2,900 companies in the electronics industry and many electronic factory in Singapore – chances are that you, one way or another, are dealing with Singapore electronics suppliers.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the Singapore electronics market, share tips on how to find reliable electronics suppliers in Singapore and outline key quality control issues in the industry.
An Introduction to Electronics Market in Singapore
Singapore is a hub for semiconductor and consumer electronics manufacturing technology, with over 2,900 companies, including upstream (semiconductor manufacturers and chip makers) and downstream (local value-chain like box-build manufacturers, sub-system manufacturers, plastic tooling, and metal machining providers).
The electronics industry plays a major role in driving the country’s economic growth, contributing 8% to Singapore’s GDP and employing 20% of the total manufacturing workforce, with 70,500 workers.
In 2020, the electronics sector generated $34 billion SGD in value and employed 64,900 workers, making it the largest contributor to manufacturing output in Singapore. The industry is expected to grow to $50 billion SGD and introduce 5,200 new high-level jobs by 2025.
On the other hand, the production of finished electronic and electrical products stimulates and supports various segments of the economy, such as precision component manufacturers, chemicals and materials suppliers, and logistics service providers.
What Are the Benefits of Sourcing Electronics From Singapore?
Let’s take a deeper look into some of the key benefits why you should source high-end electric and electronic products from Singapore.
1. Singapore Free Trade Agreements (FTA)
As a world-class hub of finance and economy in Asia, Singapore places a strong emphasis on the multilateral trading system embodied by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to promote free and open trade with minimal obstacles. As a result, companies sourcing and trading in Singapore can benefit from the support of free trade agreements (FTAs) in terms of:
- Taxes
- Customs Procedures
- Quality Accreditations Worldwide
Singapore has FTAs with individual trading partners such as the: EU, UK, US, China, India, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Costa Rica, Jordan, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.
FTAs between Singapore and a group of trading partners include
- ASEAN – Australia – New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA)
- ASEAN – China FTA (ACFTA)
- ASEAN – Hong Kong, China FTA (AHKFTA)
- ASEAN – India FTA (AIFTA)
- ASEAN – Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP)
- ASEAN – Korea FTA (AKFTA)
- ASEAN FTA (AFTA)
- Comprehensive & Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
- EFTA – Singapore FTA (ESFTA)
- GCC – Singapore FTA (GSFTA)
- Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
- Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership (TPSEP)
2. World-Class Logistics in Singapore
Ranked by the World Bank as Asia’s top logistics hub for 10 consecutive years, Singapore offers world-class connections to the region and beyond with its reputation for secure, highly efficient logistics and supply chain management.
Global logistics players, such as DHL and Schenker, have set up regional or headquarters operations in Singapore. Importers and exporters are supported by the robust network of leading shippers and third-party logistics providers.
- 600 ports in 123 countries are connected to Singapore by 200 shipping lines.
- Singapore handles one-seventh of the world’s container transhipment throughput.
- Singapore Customs processes 90% of electronics permit applications within 10 minutes and clear 90% of physical cargo within 8 minutes.
Other Advantages of Sourcing Electronics from Singapore
The Singapore government has identified electronics as one of five major sectors (along with Precision Engineering, Energy & Chemicals, Aerospace, and Logistics) of the country’s 2025 ambition – meaning that they will focus and invest heavily to develop and support this industry.
Singapore is well-known for its high-end products, particularly in consumer electronics, due to its innovation centres over the past few years and annual training for more than 13,000 engineers and technicians. Singapore is the shopping and retail centre of the region, making it an ideal potential market for consumer electronics. This means that production in Singapore can satisfy market demands and quickly adapt to market trends.
How to Find Reliable Electronics Suppliers in Singapore
If you’re interested in finding top electronics and electrical manufacturing companies in Singapore, you can explore the link here. Or electronics and electrical enterprises here. The Association of Electronic Industries in Singapore (AEIS) can also help you connect with Singapore electronics wholesalers or trading companies.
Common Electronics Quality Problems with Singaporean Suppliers
However, while finding a list of E&E companies is relatively simple in this small country, selecting the right ones that can meet your requirements is another story.
The complexity of the production process for electronics, which often involves sourcing multiple components such as batteries, printed circuit boards, main integrated circuits, switches, and displays from various electronics suppliers and factories, can make it difficult for you to guarantee that the final product – and all its components – will meet your desired quality standards and specifications. Some include:
- Sub Standard Components or Materials that fail to meet specified standards
- Issues with assembly processes, e.g. incorrect labelling or incorrect wiring.
- Product’s performance and durability.
- Damage from rough handling or exposure to the elements.
- Inadequate protection from shock and vibration.
Importance of Electronics Quality Control
If you are not familiar with this market or your company does not have enough manpower to check the credibility of Singaporean companies, we can help with the electronics supplier verification.
After the supplier verification, you also need to check the quality of the product and production to ensure their offers meet your requirements; then we can help to conduct an electronic component inspection and testing and other services for the E&E industry like social compliance audits, environmental audits ESG services, etc.
Conclusion: Electronics Sourcing in Singapore (A Guide to Importers)
In conclusion, Singapore offers abundant opportunities for sourcing high-end electronics and electrical products. However, navigating the local market and finding a reputable supplier can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the industry.
This is why many companies in the electronics sector choose us at HQTS to facilitate the process, ranging from supplier verification, quality control and inspections, and testing to SABER certifications. Offer their expertise, helping with the supplier verification process, ensuring product quality, and providing quality control and inspection services.
Contact us today for further professional and dedicated consultancy services.
