Surplus in July Shows Indonesia’s Trade Remains Stable: Govt

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia’s trade balance in July 2026 recorded a surplus of USD 0.12 billion, supported by the non‑oil and gas sector. The non‑oil and gas trade surplus reached USD 3.10 billion, offsetting the oil and gas trade deficit of USD 2.98 billion.

Trade Minister Budi Santoso said the surplus indicates that Indonesia’s trade performance remains stable. He noted that this aligns with Indonesia’s 2.98 percent month‑to‑month (mtm) export growth compared to June.

“Therefore, the diversification of export markets and commodities needs to be further strengthened to increase the contribution of the non‑oil and gas sector,” Minister Budi said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 2.

Non‑oil and gas exports in July rose 4.25 percent (mtm) compared to June. Indonesia’s annual export value in July reached USD 26.22 billion, up 6.05 percent year‑on‑year (yoy) from July 2025.

Total non‑oil and gas exports in July reached USD 25.43 billion, an increase of 6.84 percent (yoy) compared to the same period last year.

Monthly non‑oil and gas export growth was driven mainly by machinery and mechanical equipment, which rose 23.05 percent (mtm). Exports of copper and copper products increased by 21.20 percent, while non‑knitted clothing and accessories grew by 20.65 percent.

From January to July, the non‑oil and gas trade surplus was primarily supported by animal and vegetable fats and oils at USD 20.96 billion, followed by mineral fuels at USD 16.39 billion and iron and steel at USD 10.32 billion.

Indonesia’s trade balance for the January–July 2026 calendar year recorded a surplus of USD 3.70 billion. This resulted from a non‑oil and gas trade surplus of USD 22.45 billion, which offset an oil and gas trade deficit of USD 18.75 billion.

According to Minister Budi, the manufacturing sector remained the main pillar of Indonesia’s exports during the period. Manufacturing exports grew 7.16 percent and accounted for 82.18 percent of total exports.

“The manufacturing sector is one of the main drivers of Indonesia’s exports. We must continue to strengthen value addition through downstream processing and enhance the competitiveness of export products,” he said.

Minister Budi emphasized that the government will maintain a balance between strengthening domestic trade and increasing exports. This will be achieved by enhancing product competitiveness, increasing value added, expanding and diversifying export markets, and meeting domestic production needs.

“The government will continue to maintain a balance between strengthening domestic trade and increasing exports, so that Indonesia’s trade performance is expected to remain growing and sustainable,” he said. (Gusti Panji)