JAKARTA – The trading balance of Indonesia arrived at a surplus of USD 3.87 billion in January 2023, which was the highest after 33 consecutive surpluses from May 2020.

Based on Statistics Indonesia (lit. Badan Pusat Statistik/BPS) data quoted Friday (17/2), non-oil and gas export reportedly generated USD 22.31 billion, while its import took up USD 18.44 billion. The surplus mainly originated from non-oil and gas commodities, including mineral fuel, animal-based fat and oil, as well as iron-steel. On the contrary, oil and gas commodities recorded deficit.

The United States contributed to this trade surplus by turning in USD 1.17 billion, boasting export of USD 1.94 billion and import of USD 772.4 million. The Philippines also generated trade surplus of USD 909.2 million, resulting from export of USD 1.03 billion and import of USD 125.8 million. Lastly, India also booked a surplus of USD 810.5 million, following export of USD 1.35 billion and import of USD 543.4 million.

On the other hand, the countries that posted deficits include Thailand of USD 398.8 million. Its export reached USD 496.2 million, whereas the import clocked up to USD 895 million. The deficit was also seen in trades with Australia, amounting to USD 353.1 million, after scoing export of USD 238.1 million and import of USD 591.2 million. Trades with Argentina also led to deficit of USD 247.1 million, resulting from export of USD 15.1 million and import of USD 262.2 million. (LK/ZH)