Indonesia's Top 5 Export Commodities to Australia in 2024

Agung Haris Setiawan, the Indonesian Trade Attaché in Canberra, Australia, stated that the total value of Indonesia-Australia trade in 2024 reached US$13.474 billion. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to Australia totaled US$5.59 billion.

Indonesia's five main export commodities to Australia are:

1. Machinery/Mechanical (HS84): US$1.203 billion.
2. Articles of iron and steel (HS85): US$789.87 million.
3. Electrical machinery/equipment (HS85): US$400.40 million.
4. Oil and gas (HS87): US$258.03 million.
5. Fertilizers (HS31): US$200.79 million.

Haris revealed that Indonesia's non-oil and gas exports to Australia increased significantly by 60.58% throughout 2024.

"This increase also reduced Indonesia's trade deficit with Australia by 30% compared to the previous year," said Haris in a Market Brief and Pitching of the Australian and New Zealand Market in Jakarta some time ago, quoted from a press release by the Indonesian Export Financing Institution (LPEI).

Haris also explained that one potential sector for export is food and beverage products (HS codes 19, 21, and 22), with total exports in 2024 reaching US$160.5 million. He suggested that Indonesian food and beverage exporters follow healthy food trends to penetrate the Australian market.

"Such as low-sugar and plant-based foods, and ensuring products meet Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) standards from the outset. Marketed products should also have a strong story, use quality ingredients, and have cultural and sustainable values," said Haris.

Indonesian rattan home decor products are also popular with Australians due to their diverse designs, high-quality materials, and sustainable practices. The trend of Indonesian home decor exports in the last 5 years (2018-2022) increased by 13.98%, while furniture exports increased by 11.67% in the same period.

"To attract buyers in Australia, home decor designs should be minimalist and focus on sustainability, with soft and neutral colors to provide flexibility in interior design. Unique personal touches or handmade elements can also reflect personality, as well as integration with smart devices to facilitate daily home management," said Haris.

Meanwhile, Fikrie Aldjoeffry from Export Expert Indonesia, stated that Indonesian cooking spices also have great potential for export to Australia. He noted that Australian consumers are looking for spices made from natural ingredients, without synthetic additives, but that are practical and quick to use.

"The world is looking for new flavors. Global and ethnic culinary trends are driving demand for authentic spices, and Indonesia has great opportunities in this market. The growing Indonesian community and diaspora in Australia serve as a natural catalyst for promoting natural Indonesian food and spices in the Australian retail and online markets," he said.