The Deputy Minister of Trade (Wamendag), Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, has stated that the province of Riau possesses significant potential, given its strategic geographical location and increasing export value. The province's potential to bolster Indonesia's trade position within the ASEAN region is significant. In January-February 2025, Riau achieved a trade surplus of USD 3.07 billion, marking an increase of USD 2.40 billion compared to the same period in 2024. In January-February 2025, Riau's exports demonstrated significant growth, with a 21.23% increase (cumulative-to-cumulative/C-to-C), contributing a substantial 7.66% to national exports. This achievement has positioned Riau as the fifth largest export-contributing province in Indonesia, following West Java, East Java, Riau Islands and East Kalimantan. Meanwhile, in January-February 2025, Riau's imports decreased by 25.86% (C-to-C).
Riau has established foreign trade relations with a number of ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. In January-February 2025, Malaysia emerged as the primary export destination for Riau, with an export value of USD 315.02 million. Followed by Singapore with an export value of USD 107.18 million, and Thailand with USD 96.07 million. Vietnam was the source of the most significant import supply for Riau, valued at USD 34.19 million, followed by Malaysia and Thailand, each contributing USD 34.19 million. Riau's top five export commodities to ASEAN countries during the period included mineral fuels, valued at USD 204.82 million, animal/vegetable fats and oils, valued at USD 185.15 million, chemical products, valued at USD 142.82 million, paper and paperboard, valued at USD 104.3 million, and processed food, valued at USD 33.5 million. Meanwhile, the import of commodities obtained by Riau from intra-ASEAN trade included wood and wood products worth USD 34.46 million, organic chemicals worth USD 9.73 million, wheat worth USD 8.84 million, animal/vegetable fats and oils worth USD 6.12 million and mineral fuels worth USD 5.93 million.
