Indonesia has been well-known for its natural resources and strategic location in Southeast Asia. In 2019, the country’s export activities have contributed significantly to the national economy. This article will discuss the export profile of Indonesia in 2019, including its export performance, main commodities, and destination countries.
Export Performance
According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Indonesia’s total export value in 2019 reached USD 180 billion, increased by 6.9% from the previous year. The export value consisted of non-oil and gas exports (USD 159 billion) and oil and gas exports (USD 21 billion). The non-oil and gas export value increased by 8.55% in 2019 compared to 2018, while the oil and gas export value decreased by 6.66%.
The increase in non-oil and gas export value was driven by various sectors, such as manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. The manufacturing sector contributed the most significant share, accounting for 83.3% of the total non-oil and gas export value. Meanwhile, the mining and agriculture sectors contributed 9.03% and 4.17%, respectively.
Main Commodities
Indonesia’s export profile in 2019 was dominated by several commodities, such as palm oil, coal, and natural rubber. Palm oil was the top non-oil and gas export commodity in 2019, with a value of USD 18.3 billion or 11.5% of the total non-oil and gas export value. The demand for palm oil came from various countries, such as China, India, and the European Union.
Coal was the second-largest commodity export in 2019, with a value of USD 14.5 billion or 9.14% of the total non-oil and gas export value. The demand for coal came from various countries, such as China, India, and Japan. Meanwhile, natural rubber was the third-largest commodity export in 2019, with a value of USD 4.3 billion or 2.7% of the total non-oil and gas export value. The demand for natural rubber came from various countries, such as China and the United States.
Destination Countries
Indonesia’s export activities in 2019 were distributed to various countries around the world. The top destination country for Indonesia’s non-oil and gas exports was China, with a value of USD 28.9 billion or 18.15% of the total non-oil and gas export value. The second-largest destination country was the United States, with a value of USD 16.9 billion or 10.6% of the total non-oil and gas export value. Meanwhile, the third-largest destination country was Japan, with a value of USD 11.9 billion or 7.47% of the total non-oil and gas export value.
The export value to China increased by 18.4% in 2019 compared to 2018, driven by the demand for various commodities, such as palm oil, coal, and copper. Meanwhile, the export value to the United States increased by 17.5%, driven by the demand for various commodities, such as aircraft and machinery.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s export profile in 2019 showed a positive trend, with an increase in export value, diverse commodity exports, and a broad range of destination countries. The country’s export activities have contributed significantly to the national economy, providing job opportunities and government revenue. To sustain the positive trend, the government and private sector need to continue their efforts in improving the quality and competitiveness of Indonesian products, diversifying export markets, and resolving various challenges, such as infrastructure, logistics, and regulations.
