PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA — Indonesia posted a solid trade performance at the end of 2025, recording a trade surplus of US$2.52 billion in December, exceeding market expectations of US$2.45 billion based on a Reuters poll, official data released on Monday showed.
According to Reuters, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com on Sunday (8/2/2026), the surplus was driven by export growth that outpaced imports during the month.
Indonesia’s exports rose 11.64% year-on-year to US$26.35 billion in December, sharply outperforming analysts’ expectations, which had projected a 2.40% contraction. The stronger-than-expected performance highlighted renewed momentum in the country’s external trade.
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Export growth was largely supported by increased shipments of palm oil and nickel products, which continue to serve as key pillars of Indonesia’s export structure. The strong performance of these commodities once again underscored the strategic role of natural resource-based industries in sustaining the country’s trade balance.
Imports also recorded a notable increase. In December 2025, import values climbed 10.81% year-on-year to US$23.83 billion, far above analysts’ earlier forecasts of a 0.7% decline.
On a full-year basis, Indonesia closed 2025 with a trade surplus of US$41.05 billion, a significant rise from US$31.33 billion in 2024. The widening annual surplus reflects the resilience of Indonesia’s exports amid global economic uncertainty, as well as the continued contribution of leading commodities, including palm oil.
Market participants are now awaiting the release of additional economic data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), which is scheduled to publish January inflation figures and other key indicators on the same day. These data are expected to provide a clearer picture of Indonesia’s economic conditions as the country enters early 2026. (P2)
