"In January 2013 Indonesia`s export reaches US$15.38 billion while import is at US$15.55 billion. Import of crude oil and derivatives of US$1.425 billion is one of the deficit contributors," BPS` Chief Suryamin said
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - National Statistic Bureau (BPS) here on Friday reported Indonesia experiences deficit in trade of US$171 million in January 2013.

"In January 2013 Indonesia`s export reaches US$15.38 billion while import is at US$15.55 billion. Import of crude oil and derivatives of US$1.425 billion is one of the deficit contributors," BPS` Chief Suryamin said here on Friday.

He explained though export from non-oil sector is having a surplus of US$1.254 billion, it was not strong enough to hold deficit in oil sector. Suryamin admitted domestic demand for oil is still high while production decreases due outdated refinery sites.

Apart from deficit in oil sector, Indonesia also experiences deficit from import of automobiles and fruit from Thailand.

"We import more automobiles from Thailand because the country is the base of companies such as Toyota and Honda," said Suryamin adding that the government needs to accelerate the development of national car to cover high domestic demand (approximately 1.1 million units per year).

Considering Indonesia`s trade surplus in non-oil sector, Suryamin also suggested the government to accelerate export of non-oil commodities to balance or even surpasses the deficit in oil sector.

Last 2012 Indonesia recorded a trade deficit of US$1,63 billion. Trade performance in 2012 was lower than that in 2011 when Indonesia recorded a trade surplus of 26.06 percent.

In 2012 Indonesia`s total exports stood at US$190.4 billion while its imports in the same period were recorded at US$191.67 billion.

During 2012, the exports of seven items of 10 export commodities declined such as mineral fuels, fats and oils of vegetable fat, machinery / electrical equipment, rubber and rubber products, ore commodities, crust and metal, paper / cardboard, and non-knitted apparel.

Meanwhile non oil commodities export such as machinery, mechanical appliances, and vehicles and their spare parts increased.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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