Trade in Services

Singapore’s International Trade in Services are statistics that measure services transactions between Singapore and its overseas trading partners.

The Department of Statistics (DOS) compiles International Trade in Services statistics based on international guidelines from the United Nations Manual on Statistics of International Trade in Services (MSITS) and International Monetary Fund's Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM). These guidelines ensure consistency and comparability across countries.

The main data source used for compilation is the International Trade in Services Survey conducted by DOS. Administrative data is used where available to supplement the estimates.

DOS compiles statistics on International Trade in Services for these services categories:

• Manufacturing Services on Physical Inputs Owned by Others
• Maintenance and Repair Services
• Transport
• Travel
• Insurance
• Government Goods and Services
• Construction
• Financial
• Telecommunications, Computer and Information
• Charges for the Use of Intellectual Property
• Personal, Cultural and Recreational
• Other Business Services (includes Accounting, Advertising and Market Research, Architectural, Business Management, Engineering and Technical, Legal, Research and Development, Operating Leasing, and Trade-Related Services)

Detailed services categories which provide additional breakdown are also available. You may refer to SingStat Table Builder via the following selections: Trade & Investment >> Trade in Services (TIS)>> International Trade in Services (TIS).

In addition, DOS compiles exports and imports of services by trading partner, industry, enterprise size and ownership. You may refer to SingStat Table Builder via the following selections: Trade & Investment >> Trade in Services (TIS)>> Export of Services or Import of Services.

For more information on Singapore’s Trade in Services, you may refer to the Technical Notes document.

Exports of Services

Consist of transactions where services are provided from Singapore to overseas trading partners. For example, a Singapore-based shipping company providing freight services to an overseas client, transporting the client’s goods from country A to country B.

Imports of Services

Consist of transactions where services are provided from overseas trading partners to Singapore. For example, an overseas law firm providing legal advice by phone or email to a Singapore-based company.

SMEs

Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are defined as enterprises with operating revenue not more than $100mil or employment not more than 200 workers.

Non-SMEs

Non-SMEs are defined as enterprises with operating revenue more than $100mil and employment more than 200 workers.