Indonesia Imported a US$1.76 Billion Nuclear Reactor from South Korea in 2023

Indonesia recorded US$10.53 billion in imports from South Korea as of December 2023. This figure represents a 10.18% decrease compared to the previous year's imports, which totaled US$11.72 billion.

Over the past 10 years, Indonesia's trade record with South Korea shows an upward trend in imports. The lowest import value was US$6.67 billion, while the highest reached US$11.85 billion.

Of the 97 products (two-digit HS codes) imported from South Korea, 52 products were worth more than one billion dollars. Furthermore, according to Trademap data, there are 94 main Indonesian products imported annually from South Korea. This indicates a significant dependence on these imported products. Many of these products are also imported from other countries.

The following is a list of the top five products Indonesia imported from South Korea, ordered from highest to lowest transaction value.

1. Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances



Indonesia imported a significant amount of nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances. In the Trademap classification, these fall under HS code 84. This product category is grouped with parts. In 2023, Indonesia imported US$1.76 billion worth of these goods. This represents an increase compared to the previous period, which recorded US$1.19 billion.


2. Electrical machinery, equipment and parts



Falling under HS code 85, electrical machinery, equipment and parts are categorized together with sound recording and reproducing apparatus, and television receivers. Indonesia imported US$1.74 billion worth of these products.


3. Iron and steel



This product is sourced primarily from one country. Imports of iron and steel from South Korea are the largest. In 2023, Indonesia imported US$1.03 billion worth. Five other countries that are major sources of iron and steel imports are China, Germany, Japan, and Indonesia.


4. Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation



This product is sourced primarily from one country. Imports of mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation from South Korea are the largest. In 2023, Indonesia imported US$977.87 million. Five other countries that are major sources of these imports are the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and the Netherlands.


5. Plastics



Imports of plastics from South Korea are currently the largest. From this country, Indonesia imported US$768.01 million worth. Other major sources of plastic imports include China, the United States, Germany, and Belgium.