Indonesia Fatty Acids HS3823 Export Data 2025 September Overview

China dominates Indonesia’s Fatty Acids (HS Code 3823) export with 36.43% value share in September 2025, driven by high-grade industrial demand, while exporters face margin pressure from rising palm levies.

Indonesia Fatty Acids (HS 3823) 2025 September Export: Key Takeaways

China dominates Indonesia’s Fatty Acids HS Code 3823 Export in September 2025, accounting for 36.43% of value share, with demand skewed toward higher-grade industrial applications. Buyer concentration is high, with China, Malaysia, and the Netherlands forming a key cluster for biofuel and chemical inputs, while India and South Korea import standard-grade products. Exporters face margin pressure from Indonesia’s rising palm export levies, requiring strategic adjustments. This analysis covers September 2025 and is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Indonesia Fatty Acids (HS 3823) 2025 September Export Background

Indonesia’s Fatty Acids (HS Code 3823), covering industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids, acid oils, and fatty alcohols, are vital for biofuels, soaps, and food processing, driving steady global demand. Recent policy shifts, like the July 2025 export tax hike on palm derivatives [Global Trade Alert], highlight Indonesia’s role as a key supplier, with exports under HS 3823 even bypassing restrictions [QC Intel]. As of September 2025, these dynamics keep Indonesia’s Fatty Acids HS Code 3823 exports critical for global markets.

Indonesia Fatty Acids (HS 3823) 2025 September Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

In September 2025, Indonesia's Fatty Acids exports under HS Code 3823 saw a unit price rebound to 1.30 USD/kg, up significantly from August, while volume and value dipped slightly, indicating tightened supply conditions amid policy shifts.

Price and Volume Dynamics

Month-over-month, the unit price for Indonesia Fatty Acids HS Code 3823 Export rose by 4.8% in September 2025 to 1.30 USD/kg, reversing the stable lower prices seen in June-August. Volume fell by 5.7% to 466.54 million kg, and value decreased by 1.3% to 606.08 million USD, reflecting typical palm oil derivative volatility where policy changes often precede price spikes as exporters adjust to new levies and demand patterns. This aligns with industry cycles where Q3 often sees supply constraints due to seasonal production lulls and stock adjustments.

External Context and Outlook

Indonesia's export policies, including levy increases in May 2025 [USDA] and temporary duty changes in July (Global Trade Alert), have tightened supply, as noted in reports of HS Code 3823 being used to circumvent restrictions (QCIntel). This external pressure supports higher prices, and with traceability regulations evolving (EFI), the outlook for Indonesia Fatty Acids HS Code 3823 Export remains bullish into late 2025, though regulatory risks could curb volume growth.

Indonesia Fatty Acids (HS 3823) 2025 September Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In September 2025, Indonesia's Fatty Acids HS Code 3823 export market is dominated by Industrial fatty alcohols under sub-code 38237090, which holds a 26% value share despite a lower weight share, evidenced by its high unit price of 2.46 USD per kilogram. This specialization indicates a focus on higher-value derivatives within the export portfolio for Indonesia Fatty Acids.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining exports are grouped into general industrial fatty acids like those under 38231990 and 38231920, with unit prices around 1.23 USD/kg, and specific acid types such as stearic and oleic acids under codes like 38231100 and 38231200, priced near 1.08 USD/kg. This structure shows a mix of bulk commodity-grade products and more differentiated chemical grades, suggesting trade in both standardized and slightly specialized goods rather than purely fungible bulk items.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Exporters of higher-value products like fatty alcohols have stronger pricing power, while those in bulk acids face more competition. The news context reveals that Indonesia's palm policies, including levy changes and potential loopholes using HS Code 3823 for exports [USDA], suggest strategic shifts to maximize value in the Indonesia Fatty Acids HS Code 3823 Export 2025 September market, emphasizing the need for compliance and innovation in product differentiation.

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Indonesia Fatty Acids (HS 3823) 2025 September Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In September 2025, China is the top buyer of Indonesia Fatty Acids HS Code 3823 Export, holding 36.43% of the value share. The value ratio slightly exceeds the weight ratio (35.26%), indicating China purchases higher-grade or more processed fatty acids, likely for industrial applications. This pattern points to China's role as a key processing hub for palm-derived commodities.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

Countries fall into two clusters based on trade patterns. The first cluster includes China, Malaysia, and the Netherlands, with high value and weight shares, driven by strong demand for palm-based inputs in biofuel and chemical industries. The second cluster features India and South Korea, with high shipment frequency but lower value ratios, suggesting imports of standard-grade fatty acids for domestic consumption or re-export. These clusters reflect regional industrial needs and trade efficiencies.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Exporters should prepare for cost increases due to Indonesia's recent export levy hikes on palm products, as reported by [USDA]. This policy could squeeze margins for Indonesia Fatty Acids HS Code 3823 Export in 2025. Market players should diversify to less policy-sensitive buyers or negotiate price adjustments to maintain competitiveness. (USDA)

CountryValueQuantityFrequencyWeight
CHINA MAINLAND220.79M84.49M579.00164.49M
MALAYSIA83.28M55.97M89.0058.00M
NETHERLANDS77.67M44.48M74.0057.35M
UNITED STATES45.25M19.69M118.0027.34M
SINGAPORE29.57M24.77M47.0028.99M
INDIA************************

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Indonesia Fatty Acids (HS 3823) 2025 September Export: Buyer Cluster

Buyer Market Concentration and Dominance

The Indonesia Fatty Acids Export market in September 2025 shows extreme concentration, with four segments of buyers. Buyers who make frequent, high-value purchases dominate, accounting for 93.84% of the total export value under HS Code 3823. This group also handles 94.96% of transaction frequency, indicating a market driven by regular, large-scale shipments typical for commodity products like fatty acids. The median market behavior leans towards high volume and high regularity, reinforcing the strategic importance of this dominant cluster.

Strategic Buyer Clusters and Trade Role

The other buyer segments play smaller but distinct roles. Buyers with high value but low frequency represent large, infrequent orders, possibly for specific contracts or bulk needs. Those with low value but high frequency are likely smaller, regular buyers such as distributors or local manufacturers. The low value and low frequency group consists of occasional or new entrants, perhaps testing the market or responding to sporadic demand. In a commodity trade like fatty acids, these clusters highlight varying engagement levels beyond the core bulk buyers.

Sales Strategy and Vulnerability

For exporters in Indonesia, the focus should remain on securing relationships with the dominant high-frequency, high-value buyers to sustain revenue. However, heavy reliance on this group poses a risk if market conditions shift, such as changes in export policies or supply constraints. Recent news indicates Indonesia raised palm export levies in May 2025 [USDA], which could increase costs and affect competitiveness. Additionally, reports of supply tightness for palm-based products (Argus Media) suggest opportunities to explore alternative buyer segments or leverage regulatory loopholes, like those under HS Code 3823 for certain derivatives, to mitigate vulnerabilities.

Buyer CompanyValueQuantityFrequencyWeight
MUSIM MAS95.46M43.32M435.0056.61M
ENERGI SEJAHTERA MAS54.83M24.15K93.0024.15M
PT. WILMAR NABATI INDONESIA44.11M26.44M133.0026.44M
INTIBENUA PERKASATAMA************************

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Indonesia Fatty Acids (HS 3823) 2025 September Export: Action Plan for Fatty Acids Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

Indonesia's Fatty Acids Export 2025 September under HS Code 3823 shows a dual market. Price is driven by product grade and Indonesian palm policy shifts. High-value fatty alcohols command premium prices. Bulk acids face competitive pressure. China's role as a processing hub solidifies demand for quality.

Supply chain implications focus on raw material security and policy risk. Recent levy hikes increase export costs. Heavy reliance on a few bulk buyers creates vulnerability. Exporters must navigate compliance while protecting margins.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Fatty Acids Market Execution

  • Analyze HS Code 3823 sub-categories monthly to prioritize high-value fatty alcohols. This maximizes revenue per shipment.
  • Use buyer frequency data to forecast demand cycles from top clients. It prevents inventory gaps during peak periods.
  • Track real-time export levy changes and adjust pricing strategies accordingly. This protects profitability against policy shifts.
  • Diversify buyer portfolios by targeting emerging markets with similar industrial needs. It reduces dependency on dominant partners.
  • Monitor competitor shipping routes and port efficiencies for cost-saving opportunities. It optimizes logistics spend.

Take Action Now —— Explore Indonesia Fatty Acids Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Indonesia Fatty Acids Export 2025 September?

The unit price rebounded to 1.30 USD/kg in September 2025 due to tightened supply conditions, likely caused by Indonesia's palm export levy hikes and seasonal production adjustments.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Indonesia Fatty Acids Export 2025 September?

China dominates with a 36.43% value share, followed by Malaysia and the Netherlands, which form a cluster of high-volume buyers for industrial applications.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Indonesia Fatty Acids Export 2025 September partner countries?

Prices vary due to product specialization—industrial fatty alcohols (sub-code 38237090) command 2.46 USD/kg, while bulk acids like stearic acid (38231100) average 1.08 USD/kg.

Q4. What should exporters in Indonesia focus on in the current Fatty Acids export market?

Exporters must prioritize relationships with high-value, high-frequency buyers (93.84% of trade value) while diversifying to mitigate risks from policy shifts like levy increases.

Q5. What does this Indonesia Fatty Acids export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

Buyers in China and similar markets benefit from stable high-grade supply, but may face cost pressures from Indonesia’s export policies, requiring price adjustments or alternative sourcing.

Q6. How is Fatty Acids typically used in this trade flow?

Fatty acids are primarily exported for industrial applications, including biofuels and chemical manufacturing, with higher-value derivatives like fatty alcohols serving specialized sectors.

Q7. What is yTrade?

yTrade is a global trade data platform that provides SaaS and API access to provide accurate, structured, and searchable import-export trade data for international business decisions. It enables users to access verified shipment records, analyse buyer and supplier activity, review company trade overviews, assess compliance risks, and monitor real market demand — all from a single, scalable system.

Q8. How can yTrade benefit my business?

yTrade helps businesses:

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Q9. What features does yTrade offer?

yTrade provides practical, trade-focused tools including:

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