Indonesia’s imports rose in the first quarter of 2026, official data showed, but importers say tighter domestic regulations and global uncertainty are weighing on purchasing decisions.
The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported imports totaled $61.30 billion in January–March, up 10.05% from a year earlier. Non-oil and gas imports rose 12.16% to $52.97 billion.
In March alone, imports stood at $19.21 billion, up 1.51% year-on-year, while non-oil and gas imports increased 1.54% to $16.04 billion, BPS data showed.
Erwin Taufan, deputy chairman of the Indonesian National Importers Association (GINSI), said many importers, particularly those supplying raw materials, are facing difficulties due to domestic regulatory requirements, including mandatory Indonesian National Standards (SNI).
“Imports for many of our members are currently constrained, especially for raw materials needed by domestic industries,” Taufan said on Tuesday. “If imports are rising, it raises the question of which sectors are actually seeing growth.”
He added that importers are adopting a cautious stance amid global geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in the Gulf region, which has heightened economic uncertainty.
Taufan also said concerns over compliance with SNI requirements are prompting some importers to delay purchases, for fear that shipments may not meet standards once the rules are fully enforced.
“This could potentially disrupt supplies of key raw materials such as iron and steel,” he said.
Indonesia recorded a trade surplus of $5.55 billion in the first quarter, supported by a $10.63 billion surplus in the non-oil and gas sector. The oil and gas balance posted a deficit of $5.08 billion, according to BPS data.