Singapore's manufacturing output seen rising 12.9% in February

Singapore's industrial production rose in February from a year earlier, a Reuters poll showed on March 21, 2014 helped by an increase in exports as well as comparison with a low base in early 2013. -- ST FILE PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN 
Singapore's industrial production rose in February from a year earlier, a Reuters poll showed on March 21, 2014 helped by an increase in exports as well as comparison with a low base in early 2013. -- ST FILE PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN 

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.

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