China Takes US$54.17 Billion in Indonesian Exports, Steel Leads

JAKARTA – China remained Indonesia’s largest destination for non-oil and gas exports, with shipments reaching US$54.17 billion between January and September 2026. The figure represented a 16.70 percent increase compared with the same period last year, making China a major market for Indonesian products.

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reported that exports to China accounted for approximately 25.52 percent of Indonesia’s total non-oil and gas exports during the first nine months of 2026.

According to BPS data presented on Monday (November 2, 2026), China ranked ahead of the United States, which received US$25.39 billion in Indonesian non-oil and gas exports, and India, with US$15 billion.

Iron and steel were the largest export category shipped from Indonesia to China. Their value reached approximately US$14.24 billion, representing 26.29 percent of Indonesia’s non-oil and gas exports to the country.

Nickel and related products followed, with exports worth around US$8.25 billion. Mineral fuels accounted for another US$7.63 billion.

The figures highlight the importance of industrial commodities, mining products and energy resources in Indonesia’s trade relationship with China.

Nationally, Indonesia’s total exports reached US$221.23 billion between January and September 2026, increasing 5.58 percent from the same period in 2025.

Non-oil and gas exports contributed US$212.27 billion, representing 6.30 percent growth. Manufacturing remained the largest contributing sector, generating US$182.83 billion in exports, up 8.93 percent year on year.

China, the United States and India together accounted for 44.55 percent of Indonesia’s total non-oil and gas exports.

China’s strong demand provides opportunities for Indonesian exporters. However, the figures also highlight the importance of diversifying export destinations to reduce excessive dependence on a limited number of major markets.