Indonesia’s CPO Exports Rise 5.49 Percent, Boosting Downstream Push

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia’s crude palm oil (CPO) exports grew steadily from January to July 2026, prompting the Ministry of Agriculture to push downstream processing to boost value‑added output.

“The 5.49 percent growth in exports of CPO and its derivatives demonstrates that agricultural commodities have a strategic position in strengthening Indonesia’s trade,” Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday, September 7, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Minister Amran noted that Indonesia’s position as one of the world’s largest palm oil producers must be leveraged to increase export value. “We cannot just export raw materials but must also promote downstream processing to generate greater added value,” he said.

The government also aims to increase productivity in the upstream sector and strengthen the processing industry in the downstream sector. “The most crucial thing is ensuring that this added value benefits farmers and plantation owners,” he said.

Measures include crop rejuvenation, the use of high‑quality seeds, productivity gains, and development of the processing industry. “Our goal is to see more Indonesian agricultural products exported globally while delivering maximum benefits to farmers,” Minister Amran said.

Overall, Indonesia’s non-oil and gas exports reached USD 160.01 billion from January through July 2026, up 5.21 percent compared to the same period the previous year. Total exports reached USD 167.03 billion, growing by 4.43 percent.

Deputy for Distribution and Services Statistics at Indonesia’s Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), Ateng Hartono, said year‑on‑year strengthening of global commodity prices has boosted export performance, particularly in agriculture.

“Annual price gains were recorded across agriculture, energy, precious metals, metals and minerals. Higher palm oil prices were the main driver of the rise in agricultural commodity prices,” Ateng noted during the release of the BPS Official Statistical Bulletin on Tuesday, September 1.

The rise in palm oil prices was also reflected in the animal and vegetable fats and oils category (HS15). The palm oil-related processing industry grew by 7.16 percent over the same period.

China remains one of the key markets for Indonesian exports. The value of non-oil and gas exports to that country reached USD 40.62 billion, up 18.01 percent (yoy). ***