The rising trade deficit resulted from the Chinese economic slowdown, putting pressure on Indonesia`s raw material exports to China, BPS Chief Suharyanto said here on Friday.
"The Chinese economy is predicted to slow down in 2019 and this will have an impact on their need for raw materials and put pressure on Indonesia`s exports," he said.
The share of non-oil/non-gas commodities to Indonesia`s exports to China was also down to 13.52 percent in January 2019 from 14.51 percent in the same month last year, he said.
Indonesia`s non-oil/non-gas exports to China also declined from $1.92 billion in January 2018 to $1.71 billion in January 2019, with coal, copper, metal ore and steel recording the largest decline.
Meanwhile, Indonesia`s oil and gas exports to China also fell 4.36 percent to $184.6 million.
Besides China, Indonesia also witnessed a deficit of $261 million in its trade with Thailand compared to $211 million in January 2018 and recorded a deficit of $208 million in its trade with Australia compared to $178 million in January 2018.
However, Indonesia enjoyed a trade surplus of $805 million with the US, $650 million with India and $214 million with the Netherlands.
Overall, Indonesia recorded a trade deficit of $1.16 billion in January 2019, higher than $1.03 billion in December 2018.
Reporting by Mentari Dwi Gayati
Editing by Suharto
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
