Trade Ecosystem
Trade

Singapore - the Heart of Trade

From agri-commodities, metals to energy, we connect the world and bring people closer. Beyond moving goods, trade connects cultures, communities, and possibilities.

Today, Singapore is home to top global energy traders, iron ore producers and agri-business giants. Our dynamic ecosystem makes us a choice partner and location to welcome international trade flows.

So come join us at our port of call.

Global trade ecosystem in Asia

  • Diverse network of global traders

  • Sustainability and Innovation

  • Skilled talent pool

  • Strong financial and trading infrastructure

  • Stable legal and regulatory framework

  • Connectivity to the world

  • Business-friendly environment

Several groups of people at different cocktail tables having a discussion
Singapore is home to numerous prominent global traders, including:
  • Top 10 global energy traders
  • Three of the top five iron ore producers globally
  • The top five agri-business giants globally, making Singapore the world's 2nd largest agri-trading hub

Our vibrant trading community makes us a choice location for trading technology players, digital trading platforms, and international commodity events such as the Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference, FT Commodities Asia summit and the Singapore International Ferrous Week.   

Trade Ecosystem - Sustainability and Innovation

Singapore’s commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 presents new opportunities for companies.

Riding on our strengths as a financial, trading, and transport hub, we have led the way in biofuels development and adoption, carbon credits origination and trading, and carbon capture utilisation.

As the leading innovation centre in Asia, Singapore's dynamic innovation ecosystem and extensive network of over 4,000 startups has attracted top multinational companies to establish their innovation centres here.

Trade Ecosystem

Ranked 1st in Asia for talent competitiveness, Singapore has a globally competitive workforce, while our open manpower policy continues to attract the best and brightest international talent.

We have a wide range of skilled professionals with expertise in data science, engineering, and maritime studies to support your business needs. Enterprise Singapore collaborates with various industry partners and agencies to develop trading professionals specialised in key sectors such as LNG.

Trade Ecosystem - Financial

Singapore’s globally leading financial infrastructure enables competitive financing of trade flows.

With a steadfast commitment to maintaining a strong sovereign credit rating and an extensive network of over 200 banks, our financial ecosystem provides support to companies raising capital, investing in assets and for trade financing. Singapore is also the third largest FX centre in the world and the second largest in Asia for RMB clearing.

Singapore also boasts a mature commodity derivatives ecosystem made up of traders, brokers, exchanges, price reporting agencies, and risk management services.

Trade Ecosystem

Count on Singapore’s transparent legal framework and strong rule of law to safeguard your business interests.

The Singapore International Arbitration Centre is ranked 2nd among the world’s top 5 arbitral institutions and is the most preferred arbitral institution in the Asia-Pacific. Our status as a signatory of the New York Convention means that arbitration awards rendered in Singapore hold enforceability in 172 contracting countries.

Trade Ecosystem - Connectivity to the world

Singapore is your premier gateway to Asia. With over 200 shipping lines connecting you to 600 ports worldwide and more than 100 airlines serving 100 countries, we provide unparalleled access to source and destination markets, as well as other major trading hubs.

Our strong connectivity is backed by an extensive FTA and DTA network, which let you invest and trade freely and easily with major economies around the world.

View of buildings, sky and a plane

Singapore continues to be the top choice for businesses, with its high political and economic stability as well as technological readiness.

The Economics Intelligence Unit ranks Singapore as having the best business environment, a position it has retained for 15 consecutive years.

Our transparent and competitive income tax rate of 17% for companies and up to 22% for individuals, combined with tax concessions from our Global Trader Programme and our extensive portfolio of over 70 Avoidance of Double Taxation (DTA) agreements, provide a competitive platform for your company's growth.

Ways to partner Singapore and our companies

  • Global Trader Programme

    A tax incentive for global trading companies which can commit to substantial business activities and employment in Singapore.

  • Innovation Ecosystem

    Tap on our ecosystem of startups and SMEs to develop and test-bed solutions.

  • Free Trade Agreements

    Save on tariffs when exporting from Singapore via our FTA Network.

Grow your business to Singapore and beyond

Find out how we can help you venture into Singapore and the region.