02/06/2012 (Jakarta Post) - The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reports that Indonesia’s trade balance suffered US$641.1 million worth of deficit in April 2012, the first since July 2010.

BPS data shows that Indonesia imported $16.62 billion worth of commodities, while only exporting $15.98 billion worth in April 2012.

BPS’ statistics director, Satwiko Darmesto, said the deficit occurred due to the declining global demand for Indonesian commodities.

"Declining demand for commodities particularly affected coal and crude palm oil. The declining coal demand was prompted by seasonal reasons, as foreign countries do not need so much coal for heating during spring," he said.

"The demand from India and China for crude palm oil significantly declined in April. The global demand for our rubber and copper commodities also declined," he added.