"In the last three years, month-to-month export growth in March has always increased. (However) the increase in (March) 2023 was not as high as in 2022 and 2021," Deputy for Methodology and Statistical Information at BPS Imam Machdi informed at a press conference on Monday.
The growth in March was supported by an increase in the exports of raw mineral materials as well as the iron and steel industry.
Exports in March were dominated by the non-oil and gas sector, which recorded exports of US$22.16 billion (Rp326.62 trillion), or up 9.71 percent mtm.
The largest increase in value in the sector was experienced in the exports of mineral fuel commodities, which climbed by US$568.8 million (Rp8.38 trillion), or 14.29 percent mtm.
"Meanwhile, the largest (value) decline in the non-oil and gas sector occurred in the exports of animal/vegetable fats and oil commodities, which fell by around US$260 million (US$3.83 trillion) or 10.53 percent (mtm)," the deputy informed.
Furthermore, exports in the oil and gas sector rose by 12.79 percent mtm in March to reach US$1.34 billion (Rp19.75 trillion).
Compared to the export values recorded in February, all sectors experienced positive growth, with the mining and other sectors witnessing the highest growth of 18.43 percent mtm.
Exports to China, Japan, and the United States accounted for the largest share of Indonesia's exports in March.
Indonesia's exports to the three countries were recorded at US$5.67 billion (Rp83.57 trillion), US$1.97 billion (Rp29.04 trillion), and US$1.78 billion (Rp26.24 trillion), respectively, and accounted for 42.51 percent of Indonesia's total exports in March.
In addition, the value of the nation’s exports to the ASEAN region and European Union countries amounted to US$4.09 billion (Rp60.28 trillion) and US$1.53 billion (Rp22.55 trillion), respectively.
However, although it experienced a month-to-month increase, the total export value in March declined by 11.3 percent year-on-year (yoy).
The growth of all sectors also declined compared to the achievement in March 2022. The biggest decrease was experienced by the manufacturing industry, which fell 13.67 percent (yoy).
West Java province contributed the most to Indonesia's exports in January–March 2023, accounting for US$9.19 billion (Rp135.45 trillion), or 13.68 percent of the country’s total exports during the period.
It was followed by East Kalimantan province with a contribution of US$7.95 billion (Rp117.18 trillion) or 11.83 percent and East Java province with US$6.31 billion (Rp93 trillion) or 9.38 percent.
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Reporter: Kuntum Riswan, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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