REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Minister of Finance, M Chatib Basri is optimistic that the trade balance will return to a surplus by the end of the year. It is assuming a number of mining companies, which have obtained licenses to export certain mineral concentrates.

"The export can be carried out by companies that have committed to build smelter. The trade surplus will happen in August until the end of the year," Basri said recently.

The mineral export can contribute to foreign exchange of about 5 billion USD, so that the trade balance deficit can be in range of 21-25 billion USD. The additional of 5 billion USD will reduce the deficit to 21 billion USD.

According to Basri, the export performance will improve, especially crude palm oil (CPO), which is supported the improvement of commodity prices in global market.

Statistic Indonesia (BPS) records Indonesia's trade balance deficit of 305.1 million USD per June 2014. It means, the trade performance has decreased. It was triggered by the high import demand as the projection before fasting month and Eid al-Fitr.

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. Mutia Ramadhani/Antara

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