Indonesian Wheat Also Imported from Ukraine, Instant Noodle Prices Feared to Rise

Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Thursday (24/2) is feared to affect Indonesia's wheat supply. This is because Ukraine is the second largest supplier of wheat and meslin (wheat flour) to Indonesia.

In Indonesia, wheat is the main raw material for flour and instant noodles. The Russian attack is feared to cause a price increase in commodities, including wheat. In the last month, global wheat prices have increased by approximately 24%.

Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the volume of wheat and meslin imports reached 10.74 million tons throughout January-November 2021. The value reached US$ 3.3 billion.

Indonesia's largest imports of wheat and meslin came from Australia, with a volume of 4.42 million tons (41.09%) valued at US$ 1.37 billion in the January-November 2021 period.

Indonesia's next largest imports of wheat and meslin came from Ukraine, with a volume of 2.76 million tons (25.68%) valued at US$ 821 million. This was followed by Canada with a volume of 1.88 million tons (17.52%) valued at US$ 623.35 million.

Following this were Argentina with wheat and meslin imports of 586 thousand tons (5.45%) valued at US$ 162 million, and the United States with 441.35 thousand tons (4.1%) valued at US$ 131.31 million.

Meanwhile, imports of wheat and meslin from other countries reached 662.52 thousand tons (6.16%) valued at US$ 182.98 million.