In a remarkable achievement, Indonesia's total trade in halal products for the January-October 2023 period reached USD 53.43 billion, showcasing the country's robust engagement in the global halal market. The positive highlight is the substantial export figure, standing at USD 42.33 billion, resulting in an impressive trade surplus of USD 31.23 billion, as reported by Didi Sumedidi, the Director General of National Export Development at the Ministry of Trade, on December 19, 2023. Despite a decline of 18.77% in the export value of halal products during January-October 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, Didi emphasized a concurrent 8.10% increase in export volume. This nuanced perspective underscores the resilience and overall health of Indonesia's export capabilities in the halal sector. Didi highlighted the pivotal role of halal products in Indonesia's national trade surplus, contributing 87% to the total surplus of USD 54.46 billion recorded in 2022. Expressing optimism, he looks forward to further expanding this surplus figure in the future.
Examining the sector-wise export performance, Didi provided insights into key areas. The processed food sector led with an export value of USD 34.74 billion, followed by the pharmaceutical sector at USD 546.03 million, the cosmetics sector at USD 362.49 million, and the fashion or Muslim clothing sector at USD 6.68 billion. Indonesia's halal product exports found substantial markets in various countries, including China, the United States, India, Pakistan, and Malaysia during January-October 2023. This robust international engagement signifies the global appeal and acceptance of Indonesian halal products, contributing significantly to the country's economic prosperity. In conclusion, Indonesia's positive trade surplus and its focus on diversifying and expanding its halal export portfolio underscore the nation's commitment to becoming a key player in the global halal industry, fostering economic growth and international partnerships.
