Strong performance driven by electrical machinery, U.S. market demand, and Batu Ampar port
Batam’s export sector recorded robust growth in July 2025, driven by non-oil commodities that lifted total export value by nearly US$200 million.
Non-Oil Commodities Drive Growth
According to Batam’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS) head, Eko Aprianto, the city’s export value reached US$1.743 billion in July 2025, marking a 12.23% increase or about US$189.97 million compared to June. The momentum was fueled by a 13.22% jump in non-oil exports, adding US$196.28 million, while oil and gas shipments fell by 9.21%.
Export Composition and Leading Sectors
Electrical machinery and equipment (HS 85) remained the top contributor with US$761.65 million in July alone and a cumulative US$5.72 billion from January to July—over half of Batam’s non-oil exports. Other strong performers included:
- Mechanical machinery (HS 84): US$1.40 billion (12.80%)
- Ships and vessels (HS 89): US$652.30 million (5.96%)
- Iron and steel products (HS 73): US$569.22 million (5.20%)
Additional contributions came from chemicals, cocoa, vegetable oils, plastics, and vehicles. Fish and shrimp exports also rose 8.58% year-on-year during the first seven months.
United States Emerges as Top Destination
The United States became Batam’s largest export market in July, absorbing US$699.53 million, a sharp 30.33% rise from June and more than double compared to July 2024. Cumulatively, U.S. imports from Batam hit US$3.34 billion between January and July 2025. Other major destinations included Singapore (US$2.77 billion), China (US$656 million), Saudi Arabia (US$552 million), and Japan (US$409 million).
Strategic Role of Batu Ampar Port
Batam’s export strength was supported by its ports, particularly Batu Ampar, which handled US$1.29 billion in July 2025, up 17.39% from the previous month. Compared to July 2024, shipments through Batu Ampar surged 82.52%. From January to July, the port managed US$8.3 billion in exports, accounting for the majority share, followed by Sekupang, Kabil/Panau, Belakang Padang, and Hang Nadim International Airport.
Export Volume Growth
In terms of physical shipments, Batu Ampar also led with 173,800 tons of exports in July, a 19.82% rise compared to June. Across the first seven months of 2025, the port moved over 1.07 million tons, representing 40.46% of Batam’s total export volume.
Wider Economic Impact
The steady rise in Batam’s non-oil exports highlights the island’s pivotal role as Indonesia’s industrial and trade hub. For regional economies like Singapore—Batam’s close trading partner—the export growth underscores deepening economic interdependence and opportunities in logistics, shipping, and manufacturing cooperation.
Batam’s near US$200 million export surge in July 2025 reflects the resilience of its non-oil sector, powered by advanced manufacturing and strong demand from the United States. With Batu Ampar port anchoring logistics and cumulative exports up nearly 26% year-on-year, Batam continues to strengthen its global trade position. This trend signals broader economic benefits for Indonesia and neighboring economies like Singapore, further solidifying Batam as a vital regional export hub.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Jawa Pos (2025)
Keywords: Batam Exports, Non-Oil Sector, Export Growth, BPS Batam, United States Market, Batu Ampar Port
