Shipments to Thailand Surge 186 Percent Amid Weak Bali Export Performance

Amidst Bali’s still weakening export performance, shipments of goods to Thailand surged by 186.69 percent in the first semester of 2026. This spike was the highest compared to all of Bali’s export destination countries. Head of the Bali Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Agus Gede Hendrayana Hermawan, stated that the overall value of Bali’s goods exports in Semester I 2026 did indeed fall by 0.88 percent compared to the January-June 2025 period. However, exports to Thailand recorded the highest growth. “Although cumulatively Bali’s exports in Semester I 2026 experienced a decline, goods exports to Thailand saw the highest increase of 186.69 percent compared to 2025,” Agus said on Monday (3/8/2026). Overall, Bali’s export value from January to June 2026 reached US$280.51 million. The United States remained the main destination with an export value of US$82.93 million, but this was down 8.30 percent compared to the same period last year. Exports to China also fell slightly by 0.22 percent to US$25.22 million. Furthermore, exports to Australia were recorded at US$19.05 million, a drop of 11.82 percent, while exports to France reached US$11.43 million, down 1.71 percent. Amidst these declines, exports to Thailand soared to US$20.45 million, an increase of 186.69 percent compared to Semester I 2025. Agus explained that the export surge to Thailand was mainly supported by an increase in exports of precious metal products and jewellery or gems (HS 71). “Perhaps due to increased demand. But we don’t know the cause to that extent, whether it’s because demand increased or what. But the trend is that the export increase is in line with demand,” he clarified. Meanwhile, the value of Bali’s goods imports in Semester I 2026 reached US$73.28 million, an increase of 9.71 percent. China remained the largest country of origin for imports with a value of US$14.24 million, up 12.04 percent. The next position was occupied by the United States with an import value of US$13.96 million, but this was down 16.76 percent. Singapore was in third place with an import value of US$6.47 million and recorded the highest increase, namely 100.95 percent. Australia was in fourth place with an import value of US$4.90 million, up 20.49 percent. Meanwhile, Germany occupied fifth place with an import value of US$4.14 million, down 1.50 percent. According to Agus, the increase in imports was mainly triggered by a rise in imports of mineral fuel products (HS 27). Although imports increased, Agus stressed that Bali’s trade balance still recorded a surplus. “When compared, our exports are still much higher. Our trade balance is still in surplus, or positive, at US$207.24 million,” he added.