Indonesia’s goods trade surplus narrowed to $3.36 billion in September 2026 as imports rose faster than exports year over year. Bank Indonesia (BI) said the September result added to the resilience of Indonesia’s external accounts.
Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reported exports of $27.59 billion, up 11.87% from September 2025, and imports of $24.23 billion, an 18.41% increase. BI, citing BPS data, put the monthly surplus at $3.36 billion, compared with $3.55 billion in August. The growth rates compare September with a year earlier; the surplus figures compare September with the previous month.
Non-oil and gas trade recorded a $5.67 billion surplus. Exports in that category reached $26.64 billion, up from $25.62 billion in August, while the oil and gas deficit narrowed to $2.32 billion from $2.54 billion. BI said products contributing to non-oil and gas exports included animal and vegetable fats and oils, precious metals and jewelry, electrical machinery, and iron and steel.
BI named China, the United States and India among the leading markets for Indonesia’s non-oil and gas exports. The trade surplus for January through September 2026 totaled $10.61 billion, the central bank said. The import-growth trend also featured in EconoTimes’ earlier coverage of the rupiah.
FXStreet reported that UOB economist Enrico Tanuwidjaja linked faster imports to stronger domestic demand and investment. The outlet said he expects external surpluses to moderate gradually and Indonesia’s current account to remain in deficit over the coming quarters.
FXStreet also reported Tanuwidjaja’s view that recent surpluses do not mark a return to the unusually large, persistent balances seen from 2021 through 2025.
