- Exports to China surge 95% m-o-m in Aug as demand picks up
- Vietnam logs 23% rise in Jan-Aug amid strong infra spending
Indonesia’s stainless steel finished flats exports stood at 2.10 million tonnes (mnt) during January-August 2025, up 8% from 1.95 mnt in the same period of 2024, according to BigMint data. The rise reflects a sustained recovery in demand from key Asian markets and continued downstream expansion in Indonesia’s stainless steel sector.
Indonesia continues to strengthen its dominance in Asia’s stainless steel trade flows, securing a significant share of China’s import market during the first eight months of 2025, reaffirming its status as a leading regional stainless steel exporter.
Country-wise performance
China remained the largest destination for Indonesian stainless steel, accounting for 0.65 mnt of total exports during January-August, almost flat y-o-y. However, shipments to China surged 95% m-o-m in August to 92,194 t, highlighting renewed buying activity following mid-year slowdowns.
Taiwan ranked second with 0.50 mnt, up 2% y-o-y as compared to 0.49 mnt last year, as mills continued to source Indonesian material amid competitive pricing and steady demand for 300-series stainless products.
Vietnam imported 0.47 mnt, up 23% y-o-y as compared to 0.38 mnt last year, supported by rising downstream stainless steel goods production and strong infrastructure spending. Despite a 43% m-o-m dip in August, Vietnam remains one of Indonesia’s most dynamic growth markets.
Malaysia showed the sharpest annual increase, with exports soaring 89% y-o-y to 0.17 mnt, driven by growing consumption in the construction and consumer goods sectors.
In contrast, South Korea’s imports fell 20% y-o-y to 0.06 mnt against 0.07 mnt, while other destinations declined 6% to 0.24 mnt, as trade volumes normalised after strong 2024 inflows.
Port-wise exports
The Bahodupi Port handled the bulk of shipments — 2.06 mnt, up 7% y-o-y against 1.95 mnt — reaffirming its position as Indonesia’s key stainless steel export hub.
Tanjung Perak Port contributed 30,233 t (+17% y-o-y) as compared to 25,800 t, while other minor ports handled around 2,746 t, marking a 79% increase.
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