CPO and Nickel Lead Strong Early-Year Export Performance, Indonesia's Exports Surge to US$22.1 Billion

Indonesia’s export performance in early 2026 maintained growth momentum despite declining demand for certain commodities. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded overall export performance valued at US$22.16 billion, up 3.39% compared to January 2025, driven primarily by refined product industry exports.

“Growth in non-oil and gas exports occurred in the processing industry,” stated Ateng Hartono, Deputy for Statistics of Distribution and Services at BPS, during a press conference at BPS headquarters in Jakarta on Monday, 2 March 2026.

Refined product industry exports emerged as the sole growth sector in January 2026, valued at US$18.51 billion, representing 8.19% growth. “This growth was mainly driven by increases in crude palm oil (CPO), nickel, iron and steel, semiconductors and other electronic components, as well as four-wheeled vehicle exports,” Ateng explained.

In contrast, other commodity exports such as agriculture, forestry, and fisheries experienced sharp declines, totalling only US$440 million, down 20.36% compared to January 2025. Mining and other commodities similarly contracted by double digits, falling 14.59% year-on-year, with values declining to US$2.32 billion in January 2026.

“Agriculture and mining both declined. Agriculture fell 20.35% whilst mining dropped 14.59%,” Ateng concluded.