Case Studies of Successful Singaporean Exporters in the U.S. Market

Several successful Singaporean exporters in the U.S. market illustrate the strong bilateral trade relationship fostered by the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Singapore’s strategic positioning as a global trade hub.

One notable example is Corning, originally known for kitchenware (Corningware), which has evolved significantly in Singapore over 50 years. Corning’s Singapore operations now include advanced products like Gorilla® Glass used in smartphones by Apple and Samsung, fiber optic cables serving international banks, and antenna systems used in iconic Singapore landmarks. This transformation highlights Singapore’s role as a base for high-tech manufacturing and innovation that exports to the U.S. and beyond.

In addition to Corning, Singapore’s pharmaceutical products are the largest category of exports to the U.S., reflecting the country’s strength in biomedical sciences and chemicals sectors. Singapore’s electronics sector, including semiconductors, also plays a critical role in exports to the U.S., supported by cutting-edge innovation in AI-era chip manufacturing.

Singapore’s success in exporting to the U.S. is underpinned by the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has increased trade by 300% over 20 years, facilitated tariff reductions, improved market access, and investment protection. The FTA also enables easier movement of experts between the two countries, helping companies fill talent gaps and transfer skills locally.

Other successful Singaporean exporters include companies in sectors such as aerospace, defense, energy, healthcare, and information and communications technology, which find strong market opportunities in the U.S. due to Singapore’s business-friendly environment and strategic location as a gateway to Southeast Asia.

In summary, successful Singaporean exporters to the U.S. market include high-tech manufacturers like Corning, pharmaceutical firms, and electronics companies, all benefiting from the robust trade framework and Singapore’s innovation-driven economy. The U.S.-Singapore FTA has been a critical enabler of this success, fostering growth, market access, and bilateral investment.