Indonesia’s Steel Exports Post USD 18.44 Billion Surplus

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s aggressive push for industrial downstreaming has paid off significantly, with the iron and steel sector recording a massive trade surplus of USD 18.44 billion in 2025. This achievement officially cements Indonesia’s position as the fifth-largest steel exporter in the world.

During a working meeting with Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Trade Minister Budi Santoso revealed that total exports reached USD 27.97 billion, while imports were successfully capped at USD 9.53 billion. 

The Minister highlighted that Indonesia’s rise in the global rankings has been meteoric, jumping from the 17th position in 2019 to join the elite top five, trailing only China, Germany, Japan, and South Korea.

"In 2025, Indonesia's iron and steel trade balance will record a surplus that will increase to USD 18.44 billion," said Minister Budi. 

He added that the consistent surplus is a direct result of increased industrial capacity and high-value domestic processing, as quoted by Antara.

To protect this momentum, the government has implemented rigorous import regulations under several ministerial decrees issued in 2025 and 2026. These regulations dictate that iron, steel, and alloy products can only be imported in new condition by authorized entities holding a Business Identification Number (NIB) and specific Import Identification Numbers (API-P or API-U).

Currently, the Ministry regulates 518 tariff posts (HS codes), roughly 69.07 percent of all steel and derivative products. This includes 440 codes for iron or steel, 67 for alloy steel, and 18 for downstream products. Notably, 20 specific tariff posts are reserved for the shipbuilding industry.

The regulated goods are now organized into three distinct categories based on their industrial use. The vast majority of items fall under auxiliary raw materials, which account for 493 tariff posts, while capital goods are represented by 14 tariff posts. Additionally, the remaining 11 tariff posts are classified specifically as consumer goods.

"This consistent trade surplus aligns with Indonesia's improving position in the global trade arena," Minister Budi concluded. ***