Manufacturing

The Census of Manufacturing Activities is an annual survey conducted by the Research and Statistics Unit of the Economic Development Board (EDB). The activities covered in the survey include manufacturing and industrial servicing which fall under Section C of the Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) 2025 edition. The reference period is the calendar year, except for those establishments whose financial years do not coincide with the calendar year. The results provide comprehensive data on the structure of manufacturing and trends of its performance. 

EDB's employment data are compiled from its annual survey - Census of Manufacturing Activities (CMA). The CMA is based on a representative sample of manufacturing establishments and the survey results are scaled up to reflect the entire manufacturing sector. More information on the CMA are available at Report on the Census of Manufacturing Activities. For further clarifications, you can contact EDB at rsu@edb.gov.sg. 

For policy decision making purposes, it is more appropriate to use employment data from administrative sources i.e., MOM, as they are the official source for manpower statistics.  

MOM’s data on number of workers employed in the manufacturing sector are compiled primarily from administrative records, with the self-employed component estimated from the Labour Force Survey. The employment data are as of year-end, i.e., end-December of each year. More information on the source and coverage are available on MOM’s Website. For clarifications, you can contact MOM at mom_rsd@mom.gov.sg. 

The index of industrial production covers all manufacturing activities classified under Section C of the Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) 2025 edition. The indices published are at the 2-digit industry division, clusters and total manufacturing levels. 

The reference year for the index of industrial production is 2025. The value-added weighting pattern is updated annually based on data from the Census of Manufacturing Activities. The weighting pattern reflects the relative importance of the industry divisions and changing structure within the manufacturing sector. The Laspeyres’ annual chain link formula is used for the compilation of the index.

The Unit Business Cost Index (UBCI) is compiled by the Singapore Department of Statistics. It measures the relative business cost of producing one unit of real manufacturing output with respect to the base year. The main components of business cost are labour cost, services cost, as well as non-labour production taxes. The UBCI is compiled based on the benchmark on business cost from the Census of Manufacturing Activities (CMA) and extrapolated using data from the Monthly Survey of Manufacturing Activities (MMA). 

An index that measures changes in the volume of industrial production with respect to the base year. The index charts the growth in production of each major industry, cluster and the overall manufacturing sector.

Establishment

Defined as a manufacturing unit engaged in one manufacturing activity and generally operating at one location.

Gross Value of Fixed Assets

Refers to the accumulated cost of acquiring the fixed assets.

Manufacturing Output

Refers to the total value of all commodities produced (including by-products) and industrial services rendered during the year.

Materials Used

Cover raw or basic materials, chemicals and packing materials consumed in the production. They refer to the actual usage during the year.

Net Operating Surplus

Obtained by deducting remuneration, depreciation of fixed assets and indirect taxes from value-added.

Net Value of Fixed Assets

Refers to the gross value net of accumulated depreciation.

Other Operating Costs

Include work-given out, utilities, fuel, transportation charges, rental paid for premises, machinery and transport equipment, repair and servicing of building, machinery, and transport equipment, insurance premium on building, machinery and transport equipment, bank service charge, travelling expenses including own vehicles, telecommunication fees (e.g., postage, printing), share of related company's expenses, preliminary/pre-operating expenses, staff training expenses, recruitment expenses, quality control expenses, guarantee/warranty cost, sundry operating expenses, factory requisite (e.g., tools & consumables), uniforms, cargo handling, delivery and container service, harbour charges, wharfage and dockage, festivals and annual functions for staff, laundry services, professional service charges, advertising, promotional and entertainment expenses, commission and agency fees, third party logistics, royalties and other non-deductible GST paid and other operating expenditure for non-manufacturing activities.

Renumeration

Comprises all forms of compensation provided to employees and includes:

1. Wages and salaries including commissions, bonuses and overtime pay before deduction of employee's contribution to CPF or any other deductions, as well as paid annual leave and paid sick leave.
2. Employer's contribution to CPF and pension funds, but excludes pension and gratuities paid to retired employees.
3. Stock options and other share-based payments given to employees as part of their remuneration package.
4. Staff benefits such as medical care, meals, housing, transport, and other benefits-in-kind provided to employees by the firm, but excludes retrenchment benefits, entertainment allowances, cost of staff uniforms, and travel, accommodation, and other daily allowances provided in connection with business travel (i.e., per diems).

Sales and Direct Exports

Refer to local sale or exports to other countries of goods manufactured. Resale of goods not manufactured by the establishments is excluded.

Total Output

Refers to the total value of goods and services derived from a production process and ancillary activities such as management or marketing. As such, it includes manufacturing output and other operating income.

Value Added

Refers to total output less materials, work given out and other operating costs.

Workers

Refer to all persons engaged by the establishment including both employees and self-employed. Data generally refer to employment as at 30 June, except where establishments commence operation after June.

Measures the relative cost of producing one unit of real output with respect to the base year. The main components of business cost are labour cost, services cost and non-labour production taxes. The UBCI is compiled on the basis of benchmark data on business cost from the Census of Manufacturing Activities (CMA) and extrapolated using data from the Monthly Survey of Manufacturing Activities (MMA).