Indonesia, being the world’s fourth most populous country, is known for its abundance in natural resources. Since its independence, Indonesia has been exporting various commodities, ranging from agricultural products to mineral resources. In 2015, Indonesia’s exports were valued at $150.09 billion, and it was expected that the export sector would continue to play a significant role in the country’s economic growth. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top commodities exported by Indonesia in 2015.
Palm Oil
Palm oil is one of the leading commodities exported by Indonesia. In 2015, Indonesia produced over 30 million tons of palm oil, accounting for around 50% of the global production. The demand for palm oil increased due to its versatility and affordability, and it is used in various products such as food, cosmetics, and biodiesel. In 2015, Indonesia exported 22.97 million tons of palm oil, earning around $16.6 billion in revenue.
Coal
Coal is another significant export commodity in Indonesia. With a reserve of around 28 billion tons, Indonesia is the world’s largest exporter of coal. In 2015, Indonesia exported 410 million tons of coal, earning around $9.3 billion. The demand for coal has increased due to its affordability and the growing need for energy.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is also a significant export commodity in Indonesia. The country has large reserves of natural gas, and in 2015, Indonesia exported 3.6 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG), earning around $1.5 billion. Natural gas is used in various industries such as power generation, fertilizers, and petrochemicals.
Copper
Copper is a valuable metal used in various industries such as construction, electronics, and transportation. In 2015, Indonesia exported 841,000 tons of copper, earning around $3.3 billion. The demand for copper has increased due to the growing infrastructure and construction projects in various countries.
Plywood
Plywood is another significant export commodity in Indonesia. In 2015, Indonesia exported 2.6 million cubic meters of plywood, earning around $1.4 billion. Plywood is used in various industries such as construction, furniture, and packaging.
Rubber
Rubber is an essential commodity used in various industries such as automotive, construction, and healthcare. In 2015, Indonesia exported 3.1 million tons of rubber, earning around $2.1 billion. The demand for rubber has increased due to the growing automotive industry and the need for tires.
Cocoa
Cocoa is a valuable commodity used in the production of chocolate and various other products. In 2015, Indonesia exported 310,000 tons of cocoa, earning around $1.1 billion. The demand for cocoa has increased due to the growing chocolate industry and the need for cocoa powder and butter used in various food products.
Tin
Tin is a valuable metal used in various industries such as electronics, packaging, and construction. In 2015, Indonesia exported 84,000 tons of tin, earning around $623 million. The demand for tin has increased due to various electronic products such as smartphones and laptops.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Indonesia is a resource-rich country that exports various commodities to other countries. The export sector plays a significant role in the country’s economic growth, and it is expected that the demand for the above-mentioned commodities will continue to increase in the coming years. By exporting these valuable commodities, Indonesia has been able to earn billions of dollars in revenue, which has helped in the development of the country’s infrastructure and economy.
