In Parliament
Written Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran to Parliamentary Question on Measures to Ensure Essential Supplies Reach Singapore Despite Global Supply Chain Disruptions
2 November 2021
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Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked the Minister for Transport in view of the disruptions to the global supply chain, what measures is the Ministry taking to ensure that essential supplies reach Singapore.
Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:
1. Disruptions to global supply chains arising from COVID-19 and adverse weather patterns have led to vessel delays and congestion in ports around the world. At the same time, air cargo capacity has also decreased and remains below pre-COVID-19 levels. These supply-side disruptions are occurring amidst a strong rebound in demand for both consumer goods and industrial supplies.
2. Singapore is keeping a close watch on these global developments. The Government has worked closely with our businesses to support their efforts to mitigate supply chain disruptions. For essential goods such as food, we have adopted a multi-pronged approach of import diversification, local production and stockpiling. Today, Singapore imports food from more than 170 countries.
3. The diversification efforts are supported by our strong sea and air connectivity. The Port of Singapore is connected to 600 ports globally in 120 countries and operates 24/7 to facilitate the efficient movement of goods. There are daily sailings to every major port in the world, enabling traders and retailers to source from a wide range of countries. Changi Airport’s scheduled and chartered cargo flights have more than tripled compared to pre-pandemic levels, with over 990 weekly flights.
4. Efforts to diversify supply and maintain connectivity have helped. According to MAS’ latest macroeconomic review released on 28 October 2021, Singapore’s merchandise trade flows have held up relatively well amid global supply chain disruptions and the flow of essential goods and supplies for consumption and production appears to have been largely unimpaired.