REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Minister of Finance, M Chatib Basri is optimistic that the deficit will decline from 21 billion-25 billion USD to 21 billion USD by the end of the year. It is based on assumption that a number of licensed mining companies will start exporting after temporary halt.
"Some companies can start their export after agreeing to build smelters. The trade surplus is predicted in August till the end of the year," Basri said recently.
Contribution from mineral export to foreign exchange can reach 5 billion USD. The minister predicts, the contribution will reduce Indonesia's trade deficit from between to 21 billion USD. According to Basri, the export performance will improve, especially crude palm oil (CPO), which is supported the increasing commodity prices in global market.
Statistic Indonesia (BPS) recorded Indonesia's trade balance deficit of 305.1 million USD per June 2014 or declines from the previous period, triggered by high import demand.
The cumulative value of Indonesia's export reached 88.83 billion USD, declined 2.46 percent compared to last year. The import value reached 89.98 billion USD, a decline of 4.7 percent compared to same period last year.