Surplus Streak Ends: Indonesia's Trade Balance Records US$1.61 Billion Deficit in May 2026

Jakarta – Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has reported that the nation’s trade balance recorded a deficit of US$1.61 billion in May 2026, breaking a 72-month trend of consecutive surpluses. The deficit resulted from imports totalling US$24.81 billion against exports of US$23.20 billion. The shortfall was primarily attributed to the oil and gas sector, which posted a deficit of US$3.76 billion, driven by imports of petroleum products and crude oil. Despite the overall deficit, the non-oil and gas trade balance remained in surplus at US$2.50 billion, supported by exports of mineral fuels, animal and vegetable fats and oils, and iron and steel. Cumulatively, Indonesia’s trade balance for the January to May 2026 period still recorded a surplus of US$4.03 billion, buoyed by a non-oil and gas surplus of US$16.31 billion, which offset a US$12.28 billion deficit in the oil and gas sector.