Export developments in the Province of South Sulawesi experienced a significant increase of 221.64 percent from the condition of the same month in 2021 of US$ 136.71 million. In fact, this condition made South Sulawesi's trade balance experience a significant surplus after the export value grew by US$ 439.73 million. The five main commodities exported in May 2022, namely Nickel, Oily Ores, Iron and steel, Salt, Sulfur and Lime, as well as Latex and Resin, became the commodities with the highest export value. in several destination countries such as Japan with a proportion of 59.83 percent, China 26.34 percent, India 1.87 percent Taiwan 1.39 percent, and the United States at 1.35 percent are still the main destinations for the largest export activity for South Sulawesi itself. "Distribution Most of exports in May were directed to Japan, China, India, Taiwan and the United States," he explained. This increase in export value cannot be separated from the policy of easing export and import activities by the government after the Covid-19 pandemic began to be controlled, so that it became one of the indicators of increasing demand for goods and services. This condition is expected to have an impact on the creation of wider job opportunities so that economic recovery can be realized.
"With the trade surplus, it is hoped that it will encourage job creation and increase demand for goods and services in South Sulawesi," said Syaiful. Not only that, Syaiful wants the banking sector to be able to channel access to capital for People's Business Credit (KUR) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) so that they can maximize the availability of South Sulawesi export commodities. "We also encourage KUR channeling banks in the South Sulawesi region to provide access to capital for export-oriented SMEs," he said. Meanwhile, the import value of goods unloaded through several ports in South Sulawesi Province, in May 2022, was also recorded at US$ 112, 40 million, or an increase of 24.09 percent when compared to the value of imports in April 2022 which was worth US$ 90.58 million. ," he said. However, this condition does not have a big impact considering the higher export value so that the income obtained is greater than the costs that have been incurred. Of course, the DGT of South Sulawesi Province wants the people of South Sulawesi to prioritize MSME products so that the empowerment of local entrepreneurs can be maximized. "Encouraging K/L in South Sulawesi to use MSME products more and facilitate MSMEs to be listed on the Government Marketplace," he concluded.
