In September 2024, Batam recorded a sharp 16.83% decline in exports, totaling US$1,250.39 million, impacted by downturns in both oil and non-oil sectors.
The downturn in Batam’s export activity reflects broader economic challenges, with significant reductions in both the oil and non-oil sectors, as reported by the Batam Central Statistics Agency (BPS).
In September 2024, Batam’s exports fell to US$1,250.39 million, a decrease of US$253.02 million from August 2024. This decline was attributed to declines of 1.45% in the oil sector and 17.73% in the non-oil sector.
Despite the monthly downturn, Batam’s exports from January to September 2024 saw an overall increase of 5.66%, or US$632.13 million, compared to the same period in 2023. This was driven by a 26.94% increase in oil exports and a 4.47% rise in non-oil exports.
The largest non-oil export category was electrical machinery and equipment (HS 85), contributing 46.38% to the total non-oil exports, followed by iron and steel, mechanical appliances, and ships.
Singapore remains the largest export destination for Batam, accounting for 26.00% of total exports despite a 19.40% decrease from the previous year. The United States, Australia, China, and Japan also rank among the top destinations.
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The main export hubs in September were Batu Ampar and Kabil/Panau ports. Batu Ampar handled exports worth US$789.69 million, while the port of Kabil/Panau saw the highest export volume, at 699.26 thousand tons, marking a 613.91% increase from the previous month.
The significant reduction in Batam’s exports highlights the need for strategic adjustments to rejuvenate its trading sectors and stabilize economic performance in the upcoming months.
Batam’s exports experienced a considerable downturn in September 2024, with a 16.83% decline influenced by decreases in both oil and non-oil sectors. Despite this setback, Singapore continues to be the primary export market, underscoring the enduring economic ties between the two regions.
Sources: Batam Pos, RRI (2024)
Keywords: Batam Export Downturn, Economic Challenges, Persistent Issues
