Indonesia: Stainless steel exports edge up in April; shipments to India surge

• April exports rise marginally as imports jump 70% m-o-m
• India emerges as a key growth destination

SteelDaily: Indonesia’s stainless steel exports rose marginally in April 2026, supported by higher hot-rolled coil shipments, while imports recorded a sharp increase driven by inflows from China.

Indonesia exported 377,700 tonnes (t) of stainless steel in April, up 0.6% m-o-m and 0.8% y-o-y. Imports increased significantly to 37,400 t, up 70% from March and 42.7% from a year earlier. During January-April 2026, exports totalled 1.49 million t, down 1.4% y-o-y, while imports rose 19.1% to 112,700 t.

Chinese material dominates imports

Cold-rolled coils accounted for 46% of Indonesia’s stainless steel imports during January-April, followed by hot-rolled coils at 19%. China remained the largest supplier, contributing 40% of total imports during the period.

Imports from China reached 27,116 t in April, up 113.3% m-o-m, while shipments from Japan increased 129.7% to 5,814 t. In contrast, imports from South Korea declined 35% m-o-m to 1,301 tonnes.

Hot-rolled coils drive exports

Indonesia continues to rely heavily on exports, with around 93% of stainless steel production shipped overseas. Hot-rolled coils accounted for 54% of exports during January-April, followed by cold-rolled coils at 26% and slabs at 14%. Overall, plate products represented nearly 80% of export volumes.

Hot-rolled coil exports increased 12.4% m-o-m to 229,200 t in April, while cold-rolled coil exports declined 19% to 87,400 t.

India records strongest growth

China remained Indonesia’s largest export destination, accounting for 30% of shipments during January-April, followed by Taiwan (19%), Vietnam (17%), and India (15%). Exports to India reached 55,500 t in April, rising 69.9% m-o-m and 55.7% y-o-y, highlighting robust demand from the Indian market.

Outlook

Indonesia’s stainless steel export market is expected to remain supported by strong demand from India and stable hot-rolled coil shipments. However, rising imports, particularly from China, and softer demand in Taiwan and Vietnam could influence trade flows in the coming months.

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