Singapore’s GDP grew by 4.3% year-on-year in 1H2025. The wholesale trade sector, which includes commodities trading, was a significant driver of this growth, expanding by 4.0% year-on-year in Q1 and 4.7% in Q2
Outlook for the Singapore Commodities Trading Sector
The Singapore commodities trading sector in 2H2025 and beyond remains cautiously optimistic. The strong performance in the first half is expected to moderate. Global uncertainties and faltering global economic growth are expected to dampen growth.
On the upside:
- Resilient Ecosystem: Singapore’s repute as a stable, strategic hub, and standing as a “connector country” in an increasingly fragmented global trade landscape continue to make it a central point for commodities trading.
- Energy Transition: The global shift toward a low-carbon economy presents significant opportunities. Singapore’s positioning as a hub for emerging commodity classes such as carbon credits is expected to attract capital focused on climate transition.
Digital Transformation and the Global Energy Transition
Singapore’s commodities trading sector is being shaped by several key trends, amidst the dynamic global landscape and the nation’s strategic positioning.
Digital Transformation and Technological Integration
The sector is undergoing a significant digital transformation to enhance efficiency, transparency, and risk management:
Blockchain: used to digitise trade processes, reduce paper documentation, and provide full transparency, traceability and a more seamless transaction flow.
AI and Machine Learning: used for data analysis, predictive modelling, and automated trading, to enable deeper market insights and optimal decision-making.
Digital Trading Platforms: often leveraging blockchain, digital trading platforms are changing how commodities are traded, making the process more efficient.
Global Energy Transition
Singapore is actively positioning itself as a hub for new and emerging commodity classes.
Growing demand for new commodities, like carbon credits and hydrogen: Singapore is leveraging its expertise to become a centre for these new markets.
Carbon Markets: Singapore is a frontrunner in developing a carbon services and trading ecosystem, like a carbon tax and the use of carbon credits.
Green Finance and ESG: Singapore is attracting capital focused on the climate transition and is incorporating ESG reporting requirements into its trading ecosystem.
Towards a Technology-powered, Sustainable Workforce
Technological advancements in the commodities sector and the global energy transition are giving rise to new, specialised job roles.
1. Data and Technology Roles
The increasing use of data and technology in commodities trading has created the need for professionals who can combine market knowledge with technical expertise.
Quantitative Analysts (Quants): These professionals use mathematical models and statistical analysis to develop algorithmic trading strategies that can help automate trading decisions and identify complex arbitrage opportunities.
Data Scientists: With the explosion of data, data scientists are needed to analyze information, build models to forecast price movements and market sentiment.
AI/Machine Learning Engineers: These roles are at the forefront of developing and implementing AI-driven tools to enhance trading efficiency and risk management.
Software Engineers: These engineers work directly with traders to build and maintain the proprietary trading software and systems used on the trading floor.
2. Energy Transition and Sustainability Roles
The global push for sustainability and the transition to a low-carbon economy are creating new specialist roles.
Carbon Trader: These traders specialize in the buying and selling of carbon credits and offsets, which requires a deep understanding of global carbon markets.
LNG/Renewable Energy Trader: These roles focus on a new generation of energy commodities that are gaining prominence.
ESG Analyst: These analysts evaluate the ESG performance of companies and supply chains within the commodities sector.
Energy Transition Investment Specialist: This forward-looking role focuses on identifying and investing in projects and companies that are part of the energy transition.
3. Finance and Operations Roles
Finance and operations roles are becoming more specialised and technically demanding to handle the complexities of modern commodity trading.
Structured Trade Finance Executive: This role involves structuring complex financial deals for commodity transactions, often in new and emerging markets.
Middle Office/Risk Analyst: As trading becomes more data-driven, these roles are crucial for managing market, credit, and operational risks.
Trade Operations Executive (with a focus on digital platforms): These executives must be adept at using digital platforms to manage the end-to-end supply chain efficiently.
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Star Commodities Talents
To support the ongoing transformation of the commodities sector, there are a number of talents in our candidate pool who are open to opportunities:
Operator I S$6,000 to S$10,000
Tankers / 5–8 Years Exp / Global Trading House
Charterer I S$8,000 to S$12,000
Dry Bulk / Tankers / 5–10 Years Exp / Trading House or Shipowner
Commodity Risk Analyst I S$10,000 to S$15,000
Crude & Products / 5–10 Years Exp / Trading House or Bank
Data Scientist – Commodities I S$12,000 to S$18,000
Commodities & Shipping Analytics / 6–10 Years Exp / Trading House or Commodity Tech Team
Compliance Manager I S$12,000 to S$16,000
Global Sanctions & Trade Compliance / 6-8 Years Exp / Oil Major
Bunker Trader I $10,000 – $20,000
Shipping & Bunkering / 5+ years exp
Senior Derivatives Trader I $13,000 – $20,000
Options Trading / 5 years of oil & gas exp
Freight Trader (FFA / Tankers) I S$15,000 to S$22,000
Tankers / 6–8 Years Exp / Trading House or Brokerage
Petrochemical Trader I $20,000 – $40,000
MTBE & Aromatics / 8+ years trading exp
For enquiries on our commodities talents
Email: tiffany.dorjpalam@achievegroup.asia Office: +6565909953
Email: raymond.gan@achievegroup.asia Office: + 65909968