Batam City continues to showcase remarkable achievements in foreign trade, with significant export and import activities. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in May 2022, container mobility in Batam reached 611,000 TEUs, out of which 804 TEUs were handled by Batu Ampar Port. This achievement has established Batu Ampar Port as the largest port for import and export activities in Batam City, surpassing other ports such as Sekupang Port, Belakang Padang Port, and Kabil Port. In addition to contributing 82.9% of the investment in the Riau Islands Province, Batam City also plays a crucial role in the export activities within the region. During the first quarter of 2023, Batam City's export performance accounted for 78% of the total exports of Riau Islands Province, with a value of USD 5,105.95 million. From January to May 2023, the total export value of Batam City reached USD 6,338.67 million, showing an increase of approximately 7.996%. This cumulative increase in export value was primarily driven by the non-oil and gas sector, which grew by USD 671.95 million.
Singapore emerged as the largest export destination for Batam City during the period from January to May 2023, with a share of 34.11%, followed by the United States at 25.78%, and China at 6.175%. Meanwhile, the total import value of Batam City during the same period reached USD 6,159.09 million, experiencing an increase of approximately 19.96%. From a trade balance perspective, the period from January to March 2023 Batam City experienced a trade surplus of approximately USD 179.58 million, signifying a positive foreign trade performance during that period. Batam City Mayor and the Head of Batam Indonesia Free Trade Zone Authority expressed their commitment to further enhance loading and unloading activities at Batu Ampar Port. The port is expected to become a key gateway for trade and investment in this region. Collaboration among all parties will also create an investment-friendly environment with high competitiveness. Batu Ampar Port will significantly contribute to accelerating regional economic growth and driving Batam City towards a brighter and more successful future in the trade and logistics sector.
