Jakarta, The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reports that Indonesia has imported 3.05 million tons of rice, worth $1.91 billion, from January to August 2024. This represents a 121.34 percent increase in rice imports compared to the same period last year, contributing 1.5 percent to the country's non-oil and gas imports.

According to Pudji Ismartini, Deputy for Distribution Statistics and Services at BPS, the top three rice suppliers to Indonesia are Thailand, with 1.13 million tons valued at $734.78 million; Vietnam, with 0.87 million tons valued at $542.86 million; and Pakistan, with 0.46 million tons valued at $290.56 million.

Indonesia's Trade Surplus Extends to 52nd Consecutive Month

Overall, Indonesia's food imports reached $14.48 billion, marking a 3.43 percent increase from the same period in 2023. Besides rice, significant imports include sugar and wheat.

Indonesia imported 3.38 million tons of sugar, valued at $2 billion, contributing 1.56 percent to total non-oil and gas imports. The top sugar suppliers are Brazil, with 1.96 million tons worth $1.15 billion; Thailand, with 0.89 million tons worth $533.78 million; and Australia, with 0.42 million tons worth $241.31 million. "Sugar imports have increased by 5.53 percent from January to August 2024," Pudji said on Tuesday.

Additionally, Indonesia imported 8.44 million tons of wheat and meslin, valued at $2.56 billion, contributing 2.01 percent to total non-oil and gas imports. The leading wheat suppliers are Australia, with 2.27 million tons worth $707.39 million; Canada, with 1.82 million tons worth $639.71 million; and Argentina, with 1.32 million tons worth $373.56 million.

"Wheat and meslin imports have risen by 3.84 percent from January to August 2024," Pudji added.

Indonesia recorded a trade surplus of $2.9 billion in August, continuing its streak of 52 consecutive months of surplus, according to the Central Statistics Agency. This is an increase from the $2.04 billion surplus in July.

Exports in August reached $23.56 billion, marking a 5.97 percent rise from July and a 7.13 percent increase compared to the same month last year.

Imports, however, decreased by 4.93 percent to $20.67 billion from the previous month, although they grew by 9.46 percent year-on-year.