Indonesia’s export and import sector continues to demonstrate resilience despite a volatile global economy, shifting commodity prices, geopolitical tensions, and tightening international trade dynamics. As Southeast Asia’s largest economy and one of the world’s key commodity suppliers, Indonesia remains deeply integrated into global supply chains — particularly in energy, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Strong Trade Surplus Continues

Indonesia closed 2025 with a trade surplus of approximately USD 41 billion, supported by strong export performance and controlled import growth. According to Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS), Indonesia’s total exports reached USD 282.91 billion in 2025, representing a 6.15% increase compared to the previous year. Imports also increased by 2.83% to USD 241.86 billion.

The country has now maintained a trade surplus streak for several consecutive years, highlighting the continued global demand for Indonesian commodities and industrial products.

Key Export Commodities Driving Growth

Indonesia’s export strength remains heavily supported by its natural resources and downstream industrial products. Major export commodities include:

• Palm oil and palm oil derivatives
• Coal and mineral fuels
• Nickel and ferroalloys
• Iron and steel products
• Electrical machinery and manufactured goods

Crude palm oil (CPO) and its derivatives remain Indonesia’s leading export category. BPS reported that palm oil continued to dominate export value throughout 2025, supported by strong demand from India, China, and other Asian markets.

Nickel-related exports also remain strategically important as Indonesia strengthens its position in the global electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. The country continues to attract investment into smelters and downstream processing facilities, particularly from Chinese manufacturers and battery producers.

Import Activity Reflects Industrial Expansion

On the import side, Indonesia continues to import large volumes of:

• Raw materials
• Capital goods
• Industrial machinery
• Electronics and components

BPS data shows that imports of capital goods increased significantly in 2025, indicating continued industrial and infrastructure development across the country. Non-oil and gas imports rose faster than oil and gas imports, reflecting stronger manufacturing and production activity.

This trend suggests that Indonesia’s domestic industries are still expanding despite global economic headwinds.

China Remains Indonesia’s Largest Trade Partner

China continues to be Indonesia’s largest export destination and import source, followed by the United States, India, Japan, and ASEAN countries. Indonesia’s commodity exports — especially coal, nickel, and palm oil — remain highly dependent on Chinese industrial demand.

However, slowing economic growth in China and changing global energy trends have started to affect some sectors. Indonesia’s coal exports, for example, experienced pressure in 2025 due to reduced imports from China and India as both countries increased domestic production and accelerated renewable energy initiatives.

Government Tightens Export Controls

One of the biggest developments shaping Indonesia’s export landscape in 2026 is the government’s move toward tighter state control over strategic commodity exports.

The Indonesian government recently announced plans to centralise exports of several major commodities — including palm oil, coal, and ferroalloys — through a state-linked export mechanism supervised by sovereign wealth fund Danantara. The policy aims to reduce underreporting, improve price control, and increase state revenue.

While the policy may strengthen government oversight, it has also raised concerns among exporters, foreign investors, and international trade partners regarding operational flexibility and regulatory predictability.

At the same time, Indonesia has introduced exemptions for certain processed products such as nickel pig iron (NPI) and selected refined palm oil derivatives, indicating that the government is attempting to balance regulation with industry competitiveness.

Opportunities Ahead for Indonesian Logistics and Trade

Despite global uncertainty, Indonesia remains well-positioned as a major regional trade hub. The country continues to benefit from:

• Strategic geographic location
• Abundant natural resources
• Growing manufacturing capabilities
• Expanding downstream industries
• Strong domestic consumption

For logistics providers, freight forwarders, exporters, and importers, the current environment presents both challenges and opportunities. Supply chain diversification, digitalisation, customs efficiency, and regulatory adaptation are becoming increasingly important for companies operating in international trade.

Businesses that can navigate evolving regulations while maintaining operational agility are likely to remain competitive in Indonesia’s rapidly changing trade ecosystem.

Conclusion

Indonesia’s export-import sector in 2026 reflects a nation in transition — balancing resource-based strength with ambitions for industrial upgrading and greater economic control. While commodity exports continue to dominate trade performance, the country is also pushing toward downstream manufacturing, industrial investment, and tighter governance of strategic exports.

As global trade patterns continue to evolve, Indonesia’s role in regional and international supply chains is expected to remain highly significant, particularly across commodities, manufacturing, and logistics services.

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Sources:

Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) 2026, Ekspor dan impor Indonesia Desember 2025 masing-masing tercatat USD 26,35 miliar dan USD 23,83 miliar,  https://www.bps.go.id/id/pressrelease/2026/02/02/2537/ekspor-dan-impor-indonesia-desember-2025-masing-masing-tercatat-usd-26-35-miliar-dan-usd-23-83-miliar.html.

Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) 2025, Indonesia’s trade balance remains positive,
https://www.bps.go.id/en/news/2025/07/01/716/indonesia-s-trade-balance-remains-positive.html.

Reuters 2025, Indonesia coal exports post rare decline so far in 2025,
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/indonesia-coal-exports-post-rare-decline-so-far-2025-maguire-2025-05-09/.

Reuters 2026, Indonesia plans to centralise commodity exports through state agency,
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-plans-centralise-commodity-exports-through-state-agency-sources-say-2026-05-20/.

Reuters 2026, Indonesia exempts nickel pig iron and selected palm oil derivatives from export centralisation, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-exempt-nickel-pig-iron-some-palm-oil-derivatives-centralised-export-2026-05-22/.

Antara News 2026, CPO still Indonesia’s leading export commodity: BPS,
https://en.antaranews.com/news/363345/cpo-still-indonesias-leading-export-commodity-bps.

Trade Intelligence Global 2026, Indonesia export data and trade overview,
https://tradeint.com/insights/indonesia-export-data/.