Indonesia’s trade surplus surged to US$3.55 billion in August 2026, up sharply from US$121.9 million in July, largely because imports fell more steeply than exports. According to Indonesia’s statistics agency (BPS), exports reached US$26.61 billion, while imports stood at US$23.06 billion, producing a cumulative trade surplus of US$7.25 billion for January to August 2026. However, imports declined 11.63% month-on-month, with significant drops in consumer goods, raw materials, and capital goods, raising concerns about domestic production and investment activity. Economists caution that while a larger trade surplus supports Indonesia’s external balance, falling imports of raw materials and machinery may signal weakening business activity and slower investment. Faisal Rachman of Bank Permata noted that declines in production-related imports could indicate softer future economic growth, while exports are also facing pressure from weaker global demand. Meanwhile, Saleh Husin of Kadin remains optimistic about export prospects, particularly in manufacturing, stressing that imports should support higher production capacity, productivity, and exports rather than simply increasing foreign exchange outflows.Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/indonesias-trade-surplus-soars-but-import-slump-signals-risks (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: Jakarta Globe, 2 October 2026