West Sulawesi Exports Reached US$ 61.93 Million, Up 81.66 Percent

During December 2023, West Sulawesi Province recorded an export value of US$ 61.93 million, showing a significant increase of 81.66 percent compared to the value in November 2023. "This condition also recorded an increase of 29.42 percent when compared to December 2022 ," explained the Head of West Sulawesi Province BPS, Tina Wahyufitri in a press release held at the West Sulawesi Province BPS Hall (01/02).

Animal/vegetable fats & oils are the main export commodities of West Sulawesi Province during December 2023, contributing 93.41 percent of total exports. China is the main destination country with a contribution of 55.71 percent. Cumulatively, the export value of West Sulawesi Province from January to December 2023 increased by 4.33 percent, reaching US$ 475.95 million.

Tina stated, "This significant increase reflects the resilience and competitiveness of West Sulawesi Province's exports, especially in the animal/vegetable fats & oils sector."

Meanwhile, the import value of West Sulawesi Province during December 2023 reached US$ 0.27 million, a decrease of 67.20 percent compared to the value in November 2023. Even though there was a monthly decrease, the cumulative import value of West Sulawesi Province from January to December 2023 experienced a significant increase of 249.37 percent.

All imported goods are mineral fuels with the total value of imports originating from South Korea amounting to US$ 0.82 million.

Tina emphasized, "Even though the value of imports experienced a monthly decline, overall there was a marked increase. Mineral fuels became the main commodity imported, showing the energy needs in West Sulawesi Province."

The main export destination countries for West Sulawesi Province during December 2023 are China, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines and several other countries. Of the total export value of US$ 61.93 million, exports to China reached US$ 34.50 million (55.71 percent), Bangladesh US$ 9.51 million (15.36 percent), and India US$ 8.85 million (14.29 percent).

Tina said, "China remains the largest trading partner of West Sulawesi Province, and there has been a significant increase in exports to India. Even though there was a decline to India in December, overall India's position remains in the top four export destination countries in 2023."

Goods export activities from West Sulawesi Province in December 2023 involve several ports, including Mamuju, Pantoloan, Tanjung Perak and Makassar. Pantoloan Port was the most dominant, contributing 93.41 percent of total exports, reaching US$ 57.85 million. There was a significant increase in export activities through Pantoloan port by 72.18 percent compared to the previous month.

Tina added, "The increase in exports through the Pantoloan port reflects good logistics efficiency and connectivity in supporting the sustainability of foreign trade in West Sulawesi Province."

Tina closed the press conference by stating, "This positive achievement is expected to make a sustainable contribution to the economy of West Sulawesi Province and strengthen its foreign trade position at the national and international levels."