In other words, exports rose 6.98 percent, while total imports rose only 1.06 percent."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia enjoyed a surplus of US$42.4 million in its trade in October, with its exports reaching US$15.72 billion and imports at US$15.67 billion.

"In the midst of global economic upheavals, Indonesias products were able to penetrate international markets, even as the use of imported products can be reduced a little," stated Suryamin, head of the National Bureau of Statistics (BPS), here on Monday.

He said the surplus was the third recorded this year after March and August.

"Although it is still negligible, it indicates that Indonesia has been able to improve its export-import management," he explained.

He further explained that in September, Indonesia suffered a deficit of US$803.2 million; in August, US$71.6 million; July, US$2.3 billion; June, US$877 million; and May, US$500 million.

In terms of volume, the BPS also recorded a surplus of 44.79 million tons in its trade in October, with exports at 56.88 million tons and imports at 12.09 million tons.

Suryamin said the surplus in the Indonesian trade value in October was caused by the surplus in the non-oil/gas trade, which had increased from US$497.9 million to US$792.1 million, while imports dropped from US$1.3 billion to US$749 million.

"In other words, exports rose 6.98 percent, while total imports rose only 1.06 percent," he clarified.

In October, the import value of three items dropped: machinery and electronic equipment by 7.94 percent, or US$123.5 million; iron and steel by 4.3 percent, or US$31.4 million; and plastic and plastic products by 0.07 percent, or US$0.5 million.

In accumulation from January to October 2013, the import value of four products had decreased.

The import value of motor vehicles and their parts dropped by 19.01 percent, or US$1.59 million; machinery and electronic equipment by 5.77 percent, or US$377.3 million; and iron and steel by 4.4 percent.

In terms of exports, the rise in October was higher than in September, with exports to China reaching US$213.6 million; to Taiwan, US$115 million; Australia, US$147.4 million; India, US$53.3 million; and Malaysia, US$23.6 million.

(Reporting by Royke Sinaga/R017/H-YH/KR-BSR/B003)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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