The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that the value of exports from South Sulawesi Province reached USD 962.46 million in January-May 2023, resulting in a surplus of USD 493.79 million, with total imports amounting to USD 468.67 million. If it converts to the local currency based on the exchange rate, it's around more than IDR 7 trillion. South Sulawesi also have several key commodities, such as nickel. The export demand remains stable every month, along with other commodities. Up until now, South Sulawesi continues to export several leading commodities and import other essential goods. However, the value of exports is higher than the monthly import transactions, resulting in a continuous surplus. These 10 leading commodities from South Sulawesi contributed to exports worth USD 945.02 million or 98.71% of the trade balance, while the remaining 1.29% or USD 17.44 million came from other trade activities. For the month of May 2023, South Sulawesi's exports reached USD 188.42 million, equivalent to more than IDR 2.9 trillion, with nickel as the main commodity in the export trade. The main commodities exported every month are nickel, contributing 54.03%; iron and steel (18.47%); oilseeds (11.38%); resin, rubber, and gum (3.33%); as well as fish and shrimp (3.26%).
Nickel was the largest export commodity from South Sulawesi in May 2023, with a value of USD 101.81 million, followed by the iron and steel commodity group at USD 34.81 million. Oilseeds accounted for approximately USD 21.44 million, resin, rubber, and gum at USD 6.27 million, while fish and shrimp contributed USD 6.15 million. Compared to April 2023, the export of nickel commodities decreased by minus 4.84 percent, iron and steel increased by 63.54%, oilseeds decreased by minus 5.50%, resin, rubber, and gum increased by 46.55%, and fish and shrimp increased by 90.02%. The top five export destinations from South Sulawesi in May 2023 were Japan with a value of USD 104.66 million, accounting for approximately 55.55%, followed by China with a value of USD 70.04 million (37.14%).
