Taiwan trade surges $170b, overtakes China as Singapore’s top partner in 2025

Transport and other business services topped export categories.

Taiwan leads Singapore’s trading partners in 2025, accounting for $64.5b in exports and $105.9b in imports, according to a report from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).

Mainland China follows with $80.9b in exports and $82.0b in imports, whilst Malaysia accounts for $73.1b in exports and $71.9b in imports.

Transport services led the trading categories, accounting for $176.6b in exports and $157.6b in imports, followed by other business services ($168.2b in exports and $168.5b in imports) and telecommunications, computer, and information services ($43.9b in exports and $56.2b in imports).

This follows the government’s plan to increase funding for grants to support local firms expanding into international markets under the Singapore Budget 2026.

Enhancements to the Market Readiness Assistance programme provide capital for market entry and overseas set-up, targeting sectors with high trade volumes.

Analysts state that these budget grants may not offset risks inherent in global expansion, pointing to economic slowdowns, geopolitical tensions, and rising operational costs as factors that remain despite government support.

Whilst the grants assist with entry costs, they do not remove the financial pressures of market volatility or long-term operational expenses.