Indonesian herbal exports secure Saudi market entry

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's herbal products industry has secured a Rp2.5 billion (US$153,000) export deal with a Saudi Arabian partner, with the initial shipment underscoring growing demand for health and wellness products in the Middle East.

The deal was formalized through a Letter of Agreement signed between Indonesian producer PT Dami Sariwana and Saudi importer Al Itholah Trading.

The agreement reflects efforts by Indonesia's Trade Ministry and overseas trade offices to expand market access for domestic exporters and strengthen the country's presence in higher-value consumer sectors.

"This achievement results from synergy between businesses, the Trade Ministry and Indonesia's trade representatives abroad," National Export Development Director General Fajarini Puntodewi said in a statement on Friday.

The ministry expects the initial shipment to create broader opportunities for Indonesian herbal products across Middle Eastern markets, where consumer interest in wellness-related products continues to rise.

Head of the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in Jeddah Bagas Haryotejo said Saudi Arabia's growing healthy-lifestyle trend had become a positive catalyst for Indonesian herbal exports.

To support long-term business sustainability, ITPC Jeddah conducted extensive due diligence on the Saudi importer before the agreement was signed, aiming to reduce commercial risks for Indonesian exporters.

"These preventive measures are important to ensure partner credibility and provide confidence for Indonesian exporters," Bagas said.

The agreement covers three product categories: men's vitality supplements, blood sugar management supplements and weight-loss products. The first shipment, consisting of one container, is scheduled for July after obtaining Saudi regulatory approvals.

The deal comes as non-oil trade between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia continues to expand, supported by stronger consumer demand and diversification beyond traditional commodity sectors.

During January-April 2026, non-oil trade between the two countries reached US$1.02 billion, according to Trade Ministry data.

Indonesia exported US$675.80 million in non-oil goods to Saudi Arabia during the period, while imports totaled US$345.90 million, generating a non-oil trade surplus of US$329.90 million.

The latest export agreement could further strengthen bilateral trade ties and support Indonesia's strategy to increase shipments of processed and value-added products.

In 2025, total non-oil trade between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia reached US$3.94 billion.

Indonesia's non-oil exports totaled US$2.88 billion, significantly exceeding imports of US$1.06 billion.

As a result, Indonesia recorded a non-oil trade surplus of US$1.82 billion with Saudi Arabia, highlighting the kingdom's growing importance as an export destination for Indonesian consumer products.

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Translator: Maria CGP, Rahmad Nasution

Editor: Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak

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