Indonesia Copper Cathodes HS740311 Export Data 2025 May Overview

Indonesia Copper Cathodes (HS 740311) 2025 May Export: Key Takeaways

Indonesia’s Copper Cathodes (HS Code 740311) exports in May 2025 reveal a market sharply divided by quality and geography, with Malaysia paying premium prices (41.15% of value) for high-grade material while China dominates volume (54.22% of weight) at lower unit costs. Exporters face margin pressure from Indonesia’s new 7.5% export tax, pushing them to prioritize premium buyers. This analysis, covering May 2025, is based on verified Customs data from the yTrade database.

Indonesia Copper Cathodes (HS 740311) 2025 May Export Background

Indonesia Copper Cathodes (HS Code 740311: Copper; cathodes and cathode sections) are critical for electronics, construction, and renewable energy sectors, driving steady global demand. In early 2025, Indonesia tightened export policies, increasing copper export taxes to 7.5% under Regulation No. 6/2025 while prioritizing refined products like cathodes [Global Trade Alert]. As a top global copper producer, Indonesia’s 2025 May exports of HS Code 740311 remain strategically vital for supply chains amid shifting trade rules.

Indonesia Copper Cathodes (HS 740311) 2025 May Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

In May 2025, Indonesia's exports of Copper Cathodes under HS Code 740311 surged to $209.00 million in value and 22.30 million kg in volume, marking the highest monthly performance this year and reflecting robust growth in both metrics.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The sequential increase from April's $193.38 million and 21.22 million kg highlights strong month-over-month growth, driven by typical industrial demand cycles and potential stock replenishment ahead of peak construction seasons. This upward trend, with a rebound from February's lows, aligns with copper's cyclical nature, where processing and export activities often stabilize after initial policy adjustments.

External Context and Outlook

The volatility in early 2025 exports can be directly attributed to Indonesia's regulatory shifts, including a March 2025 export tax hike to 7.5% [permitindo.com] and downstream processing mandates, which initially disrupted flows before markets adapted. Looking ahead, sustained export growth will hinge on global copper prices and further policy clarity, with Indonesia's focus on value-added production likely to influence future trade dynamics.

Indonesia Copper Cathodes (HS 740311) 2025 May Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In May 2025, Indonesia's export of Copper Cathodes under HS Code 740311 is entirely concentrated in a single product type. The sub-code 74031100, described as "Copper; refined, unwrought, cathodes and sections of cathodes", accounts for all export value, weight, and quantity. Its unit price of 9.37 USD per kilogram aligns with typical refined copper markets, showing no extreme price anomalies.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

With only one sub-code present, the export structure consists solely of refined copper cathodes. This product is a standardized, bulk commodity often traded based on global indices like the London Metal Exchange. The absence of other sub-codes indicates a homogenous export stream focused on a single value-add stage, without differentiation in quality or form.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

The high concentration in refined copper cathodes means Indonesian exporters face commodity-style pricing, with limited power to command premiums. Recent policy changes, such as the export tax increase to 7.5% under [Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation No. 6/2025], may further squeeze margins by raising export costs (Global Trade Alert). Exporters should prioritize cost efficiency and explore downstream processing to enhance value in the Indonesia Copper Cathodes HS Code 740311 Export 2025 May market.

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Indonesia Copper Cathodes (HS 740311) 2025 May Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Indonesia Copper Cathodes HS Code 740311 Export 2025 May shows a clear concentration, with Malaysia accounting for 41.15% of total export value. The significant gap between its value share (41.15%) and weight share (40.81%) indicates a slightly higher unit price, suggesting it receives premium-grade material. China Mainland is the volume leader with 54.22% of total weight but only 18.13% of value, pointing to a lower unit price for bulk shipments.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

Three distinct buyer groups emerge. The first is premium buyers like Malaysia and Japan, paying over $9.45/kg for high-purity cathodes suitable for electronics. The second is volume processors like China Mainland and Vietnam, taking large tonnage at around $9.25/kg for general manufacturing. The third is regional partners like Thailand and South Korea, which balance moderate volume and value for specialized alloy production.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Exporters must prepare for Indonesia's new 7.5% export tax on copper [globaltradealert.org], which will squeeze margins. This policy, part of a broader push for domestic processing (globaltradealert.org), means sellers should prioritize premium buyers like Malaysia to offset higher costs. Buyers in China may need to secure more long-term contracts to ensure stable supply of bulk material amid these regulatory changes.

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Indonesia Copper Cathodes (HS 740311) 2025 May Export: Action Plan for Copper Cathodes Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Indonesia Copper Cathodes Export 2025 May under HS Code 740311 is a highly concentrated commodity market. Price is driven by global indices like the LME, quality grades for premium buyers, and geopolitical risks such as the 7.5% export tax. Supply chain implications include reliance on a few key buyers for stability, vulnerability to policy shifts, and a need for cost efficiency due to margin pressures. Indonesia's role is as a bulk supplier with limited pricing power, emphasizing supply security and potential for downstream processing.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Copper Cathodes Market Execution

• Use buyer frequency data to identify and prioritize high-value, frequent clients. This ensures steady revenue and reduces market volatility.
• Monitor real-time trade alerts for policy changes like export taxes. This helps adjust pricing strategies quickly to protect margins.
• Analyze geographic shipment data to target premium markets like Malaysia. This maximizes returns by focusing on higher-value destinations.
• Invest in downstream processing based on HS code specialization trends. This adds value to exports and reduces dependency on raw material sales.
• Leverage shipment volume data to optimize inventory cycles. This prevents overstock and aligns with buyer demand patterns for efficiency.

Take Action Now —— Explore Indonesia Copper Cathodes Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Indonesia Copper Cathodes Export 2025 May?

The surge in May 2025 exports to $209 million reflects recovery from early-year volatility caused by Indonesia's 7.5% export tax hike and downstream processing mandates, now stabilizing with industrial demand cycles.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Indonesia Copper Cathodes Export 2025 May?

Malaysia dominates with 41.15% of export value, followed by China Mainland (18.13% value, 54.22% weight) and Japan, forming three distinct buyer clusters.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Indonesia Copper Cathodes Export 2025 May partner countries?

Price gaps stem from product uniformity (all HS 74031100 refined cathodes) traded at commodity prices, with Malaysia/Japan paying slight premiums ($9.45/kg) versus China's bulk rate ($9.25/kg).

Q4. What should exporters in Indonesia focus on in the current Copper Cathodes export market?

Exporters must prioritize high-value frequent buyers (97.54% of trade) and premium markets like Malaysia to offset tax impacts, while monitoring regulatory risks to long-term contracts.

Q5. What does this Indonesia Copper Cathodes export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

China's bulk buyers face supply stability risks from Indonesia's tax policies, while premium buyers (Malaysia/Japan) can leverage consistent high-grade supply for electronics/alloy production.

Q6. How is Copper Cathodes typically used in this trade flow?

Refined copper cathodes (HS 74031100) are bulk commodities for global manufacturing, feeding electronics, construction wiring, and specialized alloy production.