Riau has emerged as one of Indonesia’s strongest export hubs in 2025, with China, India, and Malaysia standing out as its largest non-oil and gas markets. By strengthening trade diplomacy, ensuring compliance with international standards, and improving logistics efficiency, RiauRiaullion, representing about 16.8% of Riau’s total exports. India followed as the second-largest destination, reaching USD 1.23 billion or 10.7%, while Malaysia came third with USD 923 million, equal to 8% of total exports. The export composition reflects Riau’s enduring strength in plantation-based commodities, particularly palm oil and its derivatives, alongside other key products such as pulp and organic chemicals from agriculture.
These commodities continue to dominate demand in major markets, ensuring Riau maintains a competitive edge in the international trade arena. What makes the achievement more significant is the strong overall performance of Riau’s trade sector in early 2025. Non-oil and gas exports grew by more than 24% compared to the same period last year, underscoring the resilience of the province’s economy and the rising appetite for its products abroad. Palm oil and its derivatives were the main contributors to this surge, reinforcing the commodity’s role as a backbone of Riau’s trade and a driver of foreign exchange earnings. This performance not only highlights the strategic importance of China, India, and Malaysia as trading partners but also underscores the need for Riau to safeguard and expand these market relationships. By strengthening trade diplomacy, ensuring compliance with international standards, and improving logistics efficiency, Riau is well positioned to sustain its growth trajectory and further cement its role as a leading export powerhouse in Indonesia.
