Indonesia Maintains Trade Surplus for Over Six Years

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia recorded a trade surplus of USD 89.1 million in April 2026, extending the streak of national trade surpluses to 72 consecutive months since May 2020, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS).

BPS Deputy for Methodology and Statistical Information, Pudji Ismartini, said the surplus was driven by exports reaching USD 25.32 billion, surpassing imports of USD 25.21 billion.

“After reviewing export and import developments, the goods trade balance for April 2026 recorded a surplus of USD 89.1 million. Indonesia’s trade balance has thus posted surpluses for 72 consecutive months since May 2020,” Pudji said on Friday, June 5.

From January to April 2026, Indonesia booked a cumulative trade surplus of USD 5.64 billion. Exports in April grew 21.98 percent year-on-year, led by non-oil and gas shipments worth USD 24.15 billion, up 23.36 percent.

Key commodities driving growth included animal and vegetable fats and oils (up 66.59 percent), nickel and its products (up 75.52 percent), and machinery and mechanical equipment (up 57.90 percent) compared to April 2025.

Pudji noted that higher crude palm oil (CPO) prices, rising mineral and energy commodity prices, and expansion in the manufacturing sector of major trading partners supported export performance.

“In April, the manufacturing PMIs of Indonesia’s main trading partners -- India, the United States, Japan, and China -- were all in the expansionary zone. India’s PMI was 54.7, the United States 54.5, Japan 55.1, and China 52.2,” she said.

Imports in April reached USD 25.21 billion, up 22.49 percent year-on-year. Growth was largely driven by raw materials and auxiliary goods, which totaled USD 18.65 billion, a 24.56 percent increase from April 2025, reflecting stronger domestic manufacturing activity.

Oil and gas imports rose sharply to USD 4.6 billion, an 82.52 percent increase, while non-oil and gas imports reached USD 20.6 billion, up 14.11 percent year-on-year.

Pudji assessed that the rise in imports of raw materials and auxiliary goods signals growing demand from the domestic industry, in line with the surge in national production and manufacturing. (Misni Parjiati)