SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore's industrial production rose in February from a year earlier, a Reuters poll showed on Friday, helped by an increase in exports as well as comparison with a low base in early 2013.
The median forecast of 13 economists was that manufacturing output in February climbed 12.9 per cent year-on-year.
On a month-on-month basis, manufacturing output was seen likely to have increased 4 per cent.
In a positive sign for output, overseas demand for Singapore's exports was stronger than expected in February, with non-oil domestic exports rising 9.1 per cent from a year ago, helped by increases for petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Also, an industry survey showed that Singapore manufacturing activity in February hit a four-month high as production and inventory grew, even though regional economic powerhouses suffered slower expansions.
In January, Singapore's manufacturing output rose 3.9 per cent from a year ago, but fell 8.1 per cent from the previous month on a seasonally adjusted basis.