Indonesia’s apparel exports rose steadily in the first half of 2025, reaching US$4.19 billion, according to data from the national statistics agency Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS), marking an 8% increase from the same period a year earlier.
Export volume climbed 10% to 190,730 tons, Databoks (Katadata) reported, citing BPS figures. Ready-to-wear textiles made up the bulk of the shipments, valued at US$3.51 billion, or roughly 84% of the total.
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The United States remains Indonesia’s largest apparel market, taking in US$1.93 billion worth of clothing from January to June 2025. Other key destinations included Japan (US$264.6 million), South Korea (US$178.7 million), and Canada (US$101.2 million), according to Databoks.
Trade analysts say the growth is being driven by North American demand and a gradual shift in global sourcing patterns, as fashion brands diversify supply chains away from China and Vietnam. A study by Fulcrum SG noted that Indonesia’s rising capacity, cost competitiveness, and expanding trade links have positioned it as a stronger alternative in the regional supply network.
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The BPS also reported that Indonesia’s total non-oil and gas exports grew 16.6% to US$107.6 billion in H1 2025, underscoring the resilience of its manufacturing base. However, industry experts warned that high labour, energy, and raw-material costs may limit future margin expansion.
Despite these challenges, Indonesia’s garment exporters remain optimistic. With apparel exports nearing the US$5 billion mark, the country is poised to strengthen its foothold in North America’s fashion supply chain — reflecting both sustained buyer confidence and Indonesia’s evolving role as a regional apparel hub.
(Sources: Badan Pusat Statistik, Databoks (Katadata), Fulcrum SG,)
