Import of Raw Materials for Paint Records Highest Increase in the First Half of 2021

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded Indonesia's imports at US$91.01 billion in January-June 2021. This figure represents a 28.36% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, which amounted to US$70.9 billion.

Of this amount, imports of raw materials/supporting materials were recorded at US$69.06 billion, a 30.96% increase compared to the first half of 2020. Raw materials/supporting materials contributed 75.88% to the total import value during the first half of 2021.

The growth in raw material imports could indicate a revival of the domestic industrial sector. However, the resurgence of COVID-19 cases and the implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) could hinder industrial sector growth in the third quarter of this year.

Meanwhile, the value of capital goods and consumer goods imports also recorded increases in the first six months of this year. Specifically, the value of consumer goods imports increased by 25.55% to US$8.79 billion. Capital goods imports grew by 19.68% to US$13.16 billion.

Based on their role, consumer goods contributed 9.66% to the total import value in January-June 2021. Capital goods contributed 14.46% to the total import value during the same period.