Industry News

1、 Market demand characteristics
Modular buildings drive explosive growth
From January to May 2025, Guangdong's exports of modular buildings to Singapore reached 1.39 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 230%, driving a surge in demand for light steel keel as a core component. At the same time, the penetration rate of modular buildings in large-scale infrastructure projects in Singapore, such as logistics and warehousing facilities, has reached 73.7%, further expanding the application scenarios.
Policies promote green transformation
Singapore enforces energy-saving building materials standards, and light steel joists are favored by policies due to their 100% recyclability. By 2025, the government aims to increase the penetration rate of the "Assembled Composite" Building Law (MiC) to 40% and accelerate the popularization of prefabricated buildings.

2、 Supply Chain and Competitive Landscape
Multinational corporations dominate the market
Regional headquarters effect: USG Boral will have its headquarters in Singapore and production bases covering the Asia Pacific region. Its light steel keel brands, such as Sheetrock, hold over 30% of the high-end market share.
Technological barrier advantage: German brand KNAUF has set up a production base in Singapore, relying on duplex stainless steel technology to meet the anti-corrosion needs of coastal buildings, accounting for 70% of marine engineering.
Impact of low-priced products in China
The average export price of Chinese steel has decreased by 18.7% year-on-year (2024), but Singaporean customers are more inclined towards high priced and high-quality products. Local enterprises such as Tongzhong International integrate the Pearl River Delta supply chain through the "front store, back factory" model, achieving 48 hour delivery to construction sites.

3、 Core Challenge
Cost and installation barriers
The installation of light steel keel requires a professional team, and labor costs account for 40% of the total project cost, while the labor shortage in Singapore's construction industry continues to worsen. The irregular wall design increases material loss by 15% -25%, and the cost of 0.6mm thick keel is 20% higher than the standard type.
Fluctuations in trade policies
The United States has imposed steel tariffs of up to 125% on China, prompting European and American companies to turn to Vietnam and South Korea for re export trade, indirectly affecting the stability of Singapore's import channels.