Indonesia's non-migas exports to Egypt hit record high levels, reaching $1.52 billion in 2024, marking a significant 16.36% increase over the previous year. Ambassador Lutfi Rauf reported at the virtual launch of the Indonesian Trade Expo 2025, highlighting the achievement amid regional uncertainties surrounding Egypt. This performance exceeded the government's target of $1.37 billion, showcasing Indonesia's resilience and adaptability within the international market.
The total trade between Indonesia and Egypt for 2024 reached $1.73 billion, climbing 14.61% from $1.51 billion the prior year. Lutfi indicated the value of Indonesian exports to Egypt rose from $1.31 billion (approximately Rp21.3 trillion) in 2023, reflecting both the strong demand for Indonesian products and effective trade initiatives. Imports from Egypt also grew, establishing the trade dynamics as increasingly beneficial for Indonesia, with imports valued at $207 million for 2024.
Notably, the surplus of $1.31 billion recorded signifies Indonesia's consistent trade balance with Egypt, continuing the trend of surpluses observed over the last decade. Lutfi expressed optimism, stating, "Kinerja perdagangan ekspor non-migas Indonesia ke Mesir kembali menunjukkan performa progresif di tengah eskalasi situasi regional sekitar Mesir yang belum menentu," which emphasizes the challenges faced yet overcome by Indonesian exports.
Supporting this overall growth, M. Syahran Bhakti, the Trade Attaché at the Indonesian Embassy, outlined several key products experiencing heightened demand within the Egyptian market. These include palm oil and its derivatives, coffee beans, four-wheeled vehicles, wooden products, iron products, coconuts and their derivatives, textile threads, vegetable oils, electronic goods, and vehicle tires. Such diversification showcases Indonesia's capacity to cater to various sector needs of the Egyptian economy.
On the import side, Egypt primarily supplied Indonesia with industrial raw material such as phosphate fertilizers, along with dates, potatoes for industry, citrus fruits, olive oil, coriander seeds, and printed books. This variety indicates the foundational commercial relationship, as both countries capitalize on their natural resources.
Syahran also revealed advancements in Egypt's economic framework, noting, "Tercatat pada 2024 terdapat 10 produk Indonesia yang unggul dalam peningkatan ekspor..." This statistical insight reiterates the opportunities available for Indonesian exporters, particularly as Egypt has resolved previous constraints related to US dollar payment limitations, which had posed challenges to trade operations.
To bolster Indonesia's future export activities to Egypt, the community of prospective exporters must acknowledge the importance of registrations through digital platforms, such as Egypt's online cargo registration system. These strategic moves will facilitate smoother market entry and mitigate financial risks associated with international trade.
When discussing investment opportunities, officials highlighted the importance of Egypt's private sector growth, particularly within tourism, manufacturing, and services. Egypt's geographical positioning as a commercial hub connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia adds to its allure as a target for Indonesian investments.
Overall, the trade figures for 2024 reveal promising opportunities for Indonesian exporters and serve as recognition of the longstanding commercial ties between Indonesia and Egypt. With consistent export growth, strategic partnerships, and supportive government policies, Indonesia is well-poised to expand its footprint within the Egyptian market.