Indonesia’s Trade Surplus Plunges to $160 Million in April Amid Soaring Imports
Jakarta. Indonesia’s trade surplus narrowed sharply to just $160 million in April 2025, a steep decline from the $4.33 billion surplus recorded the previous month, according to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS).
BPS Deputy for Distribution and Services Statistics, Pudji Ismartini, said the April surplus was supported by a non-oil and gas trade surplus of $1.51 billion, mainly driven by exports of mineral fuels, animal and vegetable fats and oils, as well as iron and steel.
Meanwhile, the oil and gas sector posted a $1.35 billion deficit, largely due to increased imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products.
“The goods trade balance recorded a surplus of $160 million. This means Indonesia has maintained a trade surplus for 60 consecutive months since May 2020,” Pudji said during a press briefing at the BPS headquarters in Jakarta on Monday.
Indonesia’s exports in April reached $20.74 billion, growing 5.76 percent year-on-year. However, imports surged to $20.59 billion, marking a 21.84 percent increase from April 2024.
Cumulatively, Indonesia booked a $11.07 billion trade surplus from January to April 2025, entirely supported by a $11.26 billion surplus in the non-oil & gas sector. The oil and gas trade, by contrast, registered a $16.95 billion deficit over the same period.
The United States, India, and the Philippines were the top contributors to Indonesia’s trade surplus, with values of $5.44 billion, $3.98 billion, and $2.92 billion respectively. The largest trade deficits were recorded with China ($6.28 billion), Singapore ($2.41 billion), and Australia ($1.75 billion).
Leading non-oil & gas commodities contributing to the surplus between January and April included animal/vegetable fats and oils ($9.85 billion), mineral fuels ($9.16 billion), iron and steel ($5.54 billion), nickel and its derivatives ($2.59 billion), and footwear ($2.05 billion).
On the other hand, major non-oil & gas imports contributing to the trade deficit were mechanical machinery and equipment ($8.42 billion), electrical machinery and equipment ($3.56 billion), plastics and related products ($3.56 billion), cereals ($1.19 billion), and optical, photographic, cinematographic, and medical instruments ($950 million).
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Economists Warn Indonesia’s 72-Month Trade Surplus May Soon End
Indonesia’s surplus will gradually narrow amid geopolitical tensions and rising trade protectionism, economist Mohammad Faisal says.
Indonesia’s Trade Surplus Falls to Six-Year Low as Oil Imports Surge
A sharp increase in crude oil and fuel imports pushed Indonesia’s April trade surplus to its lowest level in six years.
Palm Oil Exports Soar Double-Digits as New Trade System Begins
Palm oil producers are keeping their fingers crossed that the new one-gate trade regime will not scare away foreign buyers.
Indonesia’s Surplus Falls to $89.1 Million as Imports Rise
In April 2026, exports hit $25.30 billion, while imports came close at around $25.21 billion.
Statistics Chief Defends Strong Q1 Growth Data Amid Skepticism
"We use 2,719 indicators to measure expenditure-side GDP and 841 indicators to measure production-side GDP across Indonesia,” Amalia said.
Government Spending Surges in Q1 2026 on Fiscal Stimulus and Low Base Effect
The government spending surged in Q1 2026 as faster budget disbursement and fiscal stimulus boosted economic activity.
Indonesian Economists Question Validity of Reported 5.61% Q1 Growth
The group said its own research identified discrepancies within the official data, raising concerns over the integrity of the measurement.
Jakarta Economy Grows 5.59% as Inflation Holds at 2.32%
Jakarta’s economy grows 5.59% in Q1 2026, in line with national pace, while inflation remains low at 2.32% on stable prices.
Indonesia’s Palm Oil Exports Tumble 35.08%
Indonesia's palm oil exports only totaled $1.42 billion in March 2026, BPS says.
Indonesia April Inflation Slows to 2.42% as Food Prices Decline
Indonesia’s inflation reached 2.42% YoY in April, with transport costs rising while food prices helped ease monthly pressure.The Latest
Dear Mr. President, Don’t Skip ASEAN Summits
Despite calls for Prabowo to stay home, the Indonesian leader still needs to attend ASEAN summits.
PLN Rushes Coal Supplies After Power Outages Hit Java
PLN is rushing to secure coal supplies after shortages triggered rolling blackouts across Java, disrupting businesses and daily life.
Japan-Backed ADB Invests in Indonesia’s Human Capital
As many as 399 Indonesian awardees have joined the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program from 1988 to 2024.
Indonesian Stocks Rise Despite Foreign Outflows as MSCI Review Looms
Indonesia's JCI rose 2.8% as easing geopolitical tensions offset foreign outflows, MSCI concerns and rupiah pressures.
World Cup 2026: Paraguay Holds Off Turkey With 10 Men to Keep Knockout Hopes Alive
Matias Galarza scored after 65 seconds as 10-man Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0, eliminating the Turks and securing first place for the US.Most Popular
