The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has reported encouraging news from Central Sulawesi’s foreign trade sector. In March 2025, the province’s total export value reached USD 1.87 billion, marking a significant 23.39% increase from February. Acting Head of BPS Central Sulawesi, Imron Taufik J. Musa, shared the update in Palu, noting that three key commodity groups drove the surge: iron and steel led with USD 1.13 billion (60.66% of total exports), followed by mineral fuels at USD 284.83 million (15.23%), and nickel at USD 256.51 million (13.71%). China remained the province’s largest export destination in March, absorbing USD 818.93 million or 43.78% of total exports, followed by Taiwan (USD 177.06 million) and Vietnam (USD 159.82 million).
Cumulatively up to March 2025, China accounted for the largest share of exports at USD 2.28 billion (44.8%), with Taiwan and Vietnam contributing 11.14% and 7.82% respectively. Export activities were largely concentrated at Bahodopi Port, which handled shipments worth USD 1.34 billion, representing 71.87% of total exports, and a cargo volume of 1.65 million tons. Luwuk Port followed with USD 274.91 million in exports. Around 3% of Central Sulawesi’s goods were exported through ports in other provinces. Overall, the data underscores the province’s strong industrial export base and growing integration into international trade flows.
