This is the second time we celebrating the Idul Fitri under the situation of Covid-19 outbreak. But, for this year Idul Fitri, there must be a different in facing the economy. Last year, along the Holly Month of Ramadhan, we were fear with the economy uncertainty, fear with the economic recession.
But, this year, along the Holly Month of Ramadhan, we are optimistic with the economy: it is on the go to recovery. As we report in our cover story, the economy is going to recover, reflected in the data of trade values and volume.
Indonesia’s trade activity has demonstrated a good growth, proved by the export/import volume and values in the first quarter (Q1/2021). The export value reaches US$48.90 billion, increasing 17.11% year on year.
During the period, the export in March led the growth. The March export value reached US$18.35 billion, increasing 20.31% month to month (compared to February 2021) and up 30.47% year on year (compared to March 2020). Just like export, the import in March also grew up the highest. The March import value reaches US$16.79 billion, up 26.55% month to month and 25.73% year on year.
Another data from the port also shows a very promising trend. The export and import activities via Indonesia’s leading Port – Tanjung Priok -, also shows positive. In March 2021, this port international volume (throughput) grew double digit, by 18% month to month, while the accumulative for Q1 (January-March) 2021 grew 0.99% year on year.
As a community of shipping and logistics, we are so happy with this trend. As shipping and logistics players, we are benefited from the increasing of export import. These had significantly triggered a positive growth in logistics activities. The shipping sector, both interisland and oceangoing grew up satisfyingly, so do in logistics activities of inland transport and warehousing.
With such good news, hopefully we can celebrate this Idul Fitri with joy and
optimism. Happy Idul Fitri!
Read ISG Cover Story May 2021: https://theshippinggazette.com/trade-and-logistics-start-growing/
