June alumina and aluminum trade shows stronger exports, mixed import trends

By Pandu Setiabudi

Indonesia's trade in smelter-grade alumina (SGA) and aluminum ingots posted mixed results in June 2026, with exports of both products rising from a year earlier, while alumina imports increased and aluminum ingot imports declined.

Data released by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) on Aug. 3 showed aluminum ingot exports recorded the strongest growth among the four trade categories.

Smelter-grade alumina

Indonesia exported 481,100 tonnes of smelter-grade alumina (SGA) in June 2026, up 37.1% from the previous month and 4.0% from a year earlier. Export value reached US$157.1 million, down 6.4% month on month and 8.6% year on year.

During the January-June period, exports totaled 2.88 million tonnes, up 21.1% from a year earlier, although export value fell 19.5% to US$1.01 billion, reflecting lower alumina prices.

Malaysia remained the largest export destination, receiving 156,400 tonnes in June and 674,700 tonnes during the first six months of the year.

Kendawangan Port in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, remained Indonesia's main export gateway, handling 276,400 tonnes in June and 1.44 million tonnes during the January-June period.

On the import side, Indonesia imported 169,800 tonnes of alumina in June, up 79.8% from May and 54.6% from a year earlier. Import value reached US$58.3 million, rising 73.5% month on month and 13.6% year on year.

During the first half, alumina imports totaled 713,500 tonnes, up 3.5% from a year earlier, while import value declined 35.3% to US$251.3 million.

Australia remained the largest supplier, shipping 94,500 tonnes in June and 430,500 tonnes during the first half, while Morowali was the main entry point, receiving 111,500 tonnes in June and 448,700 tonnes during the January-June period.

Aluminum ingots

Indonesia's aluminum ingot exports reached 98,900 tonnes in June 2026, jumping 64.4% from May and 133.2% from a year earlier. Export value rose to US$383.6 million, up 69.8% month on month and 246.3% year on year.

During the January-June period, exports totaled 386,300 tonnes worth US$1.35 billion, up 70.2% in volume and 119.6% in value from the same period last year.

The United States was the largest export destination in June, taking 31,500 tonnes, while Vietnam remained the biggest market during the first half with 92,300 tonnes.

Tanjung Selor Port in Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan, was the largest export gateway in June, handling 35,000 tonnes, while Bahodopi Port in Morowali remained the leading export gateway on a cumulative basis.

Meanwhile, aluminum ingot imports fell to 4,500 tonnes in June, down 18.1% from May and 18.6% from a year earlier. However, import value increased 21.2% year on year to US$17.6 million, indicating higher average import prices.

During the first half, imports reached 40,200 tonnes, up 6.6% from a year earlier, while import value increased 31.7% to US$138.8 million.

Australia remained the largest supplier, with shipments totaling 15,200 tonnes during the January-June period, while Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta remained the main entry point, handling 34,100 tonnes.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak