Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - Indonesia`s imports fell 2.19 percent to US$15.03 billion in January 2019, from $15.36 billion a month earlier, according to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS).

Oil and gas imports tumbled 16.58 percent, from $2.03 billion in December 2018 to $1.69 billion in January 2019, while non-oil/non-gas imports fell slightly 0.004 percent to $13.34 billion, BPS Chief Suhariyanto stated here on Friday.

"The imports of oil and gas, including crude oil, and oil and gas products slid 16.58 percent month-to-month," he pointed out.

Oil and gas imports dropped, as the import of crude oil declined $15.4 million, or 3.27 percent; oil products dropped $280.5 million, or 20.98 percent; and gas decreased $39.9 million, or 18.34 percent.

Imports in January 2019 also tumbled 1.83 percent as compared to $15.31 billion in the same month last year.

The imports of consumer goods, including garlic, apples, frozen meat, and grapes, fell 16.57 percent in January 2019.

"It is understandable that the demand for these commodities was on the rise in December 2018 due to preparations for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Thereafter, the import of consumer goods declined," he stated.

The import of capital goods also decreased 12.10 percent, while the import of raw materials, including iron, steel, and chemicals, rose 2.08 percent.

China remained the biggest supplier of imported goods to Indonesia, with $4.14 billion, or 31.02 percent; followed by Japan, with $1.37 billion, or 10.28 percent; and Thailand, with $730 million, or 5.51 percent.

Reporting by Mentari Dwi Gayati, Suharto

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Suharto
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