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Indonesia books larger-than-expected US$4.3 billion trade surplus in March

This is the country’s highest in four months and nearly double the US$2.6 billion forecast by analysts in a Reuters poll

 Elisa Valenta
Published Mon, Apr 21, 2025 · 01:04 PM
    • The resource-rich country’s exports rose 3.2% on year in March, defying the typical Ramadan slowdown.
    • The resource-rich country’s exports rose 3.2% on year in March, defying the typical Ramadan slowdown. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

    [JAKARTA] Indonesia recorded an unexpected trade surplus in March, driven by a notable increase in iron and steel exports, according to data released by the country’s statistics agency on Monday (Apr 21).

    South-east Asia’s largest economy posted a trade surplus of US$4.3 billion in March – its highest in four months and nearly double the US$2.6 billion forecast by analysts in a Reuters poll.

    While the trade surplus provides a welcome boost to foreign-exchange reserves, analysts warn that maintaining such surpluses may be challenging for Indonesia, particularly with the ongoing pressure on the rupiah.

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