Indonesia's Exports to China Increased, but Imports Decreased in 2020

Indonesia's trade balance with China experienced a deficit of US$7.86 billion in 2020. This trade deficit decreased by 53.69% compared to the previous year's balance, which was recorded at US$-16.97 billion.

The improvement in the trade balance, according to Trademap data, was supported by Indonesia's export value, which reached US$31.78 billion. However, Indonesia's imports from China in 2020 were higher than exports, reaching US$39.63 billion.

Indonesia's exports to China have been on an upward trend over the past year. The previous year's export value was US$27.96 billion.

Imports, according to Trademap data, decreased by 11.79% compared to the previous year, which was recorded at US$44.93 billion.

Based on product type, 10 main export products from Indonesia to China recorded a surplus during 2020. The total value of these main exports reached US$22.42 billion.

List of 10 Main Indonesian Export Products to China

1. (HS 27): Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes.


2. (HS 72): Iron and steel


3. (HS 15): Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products; edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes.


4. (HS 47): Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard;


5. (HS 26): Ores, slag and ash


6. (HS 48): Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard


7. (HS 74): Copper and articles thereof


8. (HS 03): Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates


9. (HS 64): Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such articles


10. (HS 04): Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included

Globally, the trade balance for all goods improved this time due to an increase in several types of goods. The total value of Indonesia's trade balance was recorded at US$21.68 billion, or up 703.56%. In other words, Indonesia recorded a trade surplus. The previous year's trade balance with all countries worldwide was recorded at US$-3.59 billion.