2025 Indonesia Copper Ore (HS 2603) Export: Wild Swings
Key Takeaways
Copper ore, classified under HS Code 2603 (Copper ore and concentrate:), exhibited extreme volatility from January to September 2025.
- Market Pulse: Exports swung wildly, from a February ban-induced halt to an August peak of $828M, with unit prices declining 10.4% ($3.56/kg to $3.19/kg).
- Structural Shift: Indonesia Copper ore Export revenue hinged on China (66.5% of value) and a handful of buyers like MRI TRADING AG (92.56% of transactions), creating acute dependency risks.
- Product Logic: HS Code 2603 trade data confirms 100% reliance on raw copper ore, with pricing tied to global benchmarks and zero product diversification.
This overview covers the period from January to September 2025 and is based on verified customs data from the yTrade database.
Indonesia Copper Ore (HS Code 2603) Key Metrics Trend
Market Trend Summary
The Indonesia Copper ore Export trend for HS Code 2603 across the first three quarters of 2025 was defined by extreme volatility, pivoting around a government-imposed ban. Exports flatlined in February before surging to $573 million in March, then oscillated sharply with a July trough of $351 million and an August peak of $828 million. Volumes broadly tracked value movements, though unit prices drifted downward from $3.56/kg in March to $3.19/kg by September, compressing margins despite the overall recovery.
Drivers & Industry Context
This erratic performance was directly driven by Indonesia’s shifting export policies. The February halt resulted from a full ban on raw copper ore shipments, confirmed by the [Finance Ministry]. Resumption followed a partial policy reversal in March, which replaced the ban with a 7.5% export tax [Minister of Energy Regulation No. 6/2025], unleashing pent-up supply. Subsequent swings reflected adjustments to export benchmark prices in November [Minister of Trade Regulation No. 2243] and the impact of rules mandating 100% repatriation of export proceeds [Orrick Analysis], which constrained liquidity. The total hs code 2603 value for the period was therefore a function of regulatory compliance and global smelter demand rather than pure market fundamentals.
Table: Indonesia Copper Ore Export Trend (Source: yTrade)
| Date | Value | Weight | Unit Price | Value MoM | Weight MoM | Unit Price MoM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-01-01 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2025-02-01 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2025-03-01 | 572.93M USD | 161.02M kg | $3.56/kg | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2025-04-01 | 797.53M USD | 231.01M kg | $3.45/kg | +39.20% | +43.47% | -2.97% |
| 2025-05-01 | 567.99M USD | 164.11M kg | $3.46/kg | -28.78% | -28.96% | +0.25% |
| 2025-06-01 | 654.05M USD | 198.12M kg | $3.30/kg | +15.15% | +20.72% | -4.62% |
| 2025-07-01 | 351.30M USD | 110.01M kg | $3.19/kg | -46.29% | -44.47% | -3.27% |
| 2025-08-01 | 828.32M USD | 253.01M kg | $3.27/kg | +135.78% | +129.99% | +2.52% |
| 2025-09-01 | 579.03M USD | 181.54M kg | $3.19/kg | -30.10% | -28.25% | -2.57% |
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Indonesia HS Code 2603 Export Breakdown
Market Composition & Top Categories
Indonesia's export of HS Code 2603 is entirely dominated by a single product category: Copper ores and concentrates, which accounts for 100% of the total export value and weight. According to yTrade data for the first three quarters of 2025, no other sub-codes under this Indonesia HS Code 2603 Export were recorded, indicating a completely homogeneous export profile focused solely on raw, unprocessed material.
Value Chain & Strategic Insights
The unit price of USD 3.35 per kilogram confirms this is a classic bulk commodity trade, with pricing driven by global metal benchmarks and volume rather than product specialization or quality differentiation. This HS Code 2603 breakdown reveals a trade structure entirely dependent on high-volume, low-value raw material extraction, making it highly sensitive to fluctuations in international commodity prices and mining output levels.
Table: Indonesia HS Code 2603) Export Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)
| HS Code | Product Description | Value | Frequency | Quantity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 260300** | Copper ores and concentrates | 4.35B | 127.00 | 1.31M | 1.30B |
| 2603** | ******** | ******** | ******** | ******** | ******** |
Check Detailed HS Code 2603 Breakdown
Indonesia Copper Ore Destination Countries
Geographic Concentration & Market Risk
Indonesia's Copper ore exports throughout the first three quarters of 2025 show extreme geographic concentration. China is the overwhelmingly dominant partner, accounting for 66.5% of total export value and 66.1% of the total weight shipped. This creates significant market risk, making Indonesia's export revenue heavily dependent on Chinese industrial demand and trade policy. The list of Indonesia Copper ore export destinations reveals a steep drop-off, with Japan a distant second at just 14.7% of the total value.
Purchasing Behavior & Demand Segmentation
The nearly identical value and weight ratios for the top trade partners for Copper ore indicate a classic commodity market driven by volume scale, not margin potential. China’s purchasing behavior aligns with price-sensitive bulk processing for its smelting industry, not a premium-seeking strategy. The lower frequency ratio relative to volume confirms large, infrequent shipments, which is typical for industrial raw material stockpiling rather than fragmented, retail-like demand. This market offers volume stability but limited pricing power.
Table: Indonesia Copper Ore (HS Code 2603) Top Destination Countries (Source: yTrade)
| Country | Value | Quantity | Frequency | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHINA MAINLAND | 2.89B | 858.68K | 75.00 | 858.68M |
| JAPAN | 641.27M | 198.01K | 18.00 | 198.01M |
| INDIA | 332.23M | 99.11K | 9.00 | 99.11M |
| SOUTH KOREA | 258.34M | 77.00K | 7.00 | 77.00M |
| GERMANY | 150.46M | 44.00K | 4.00 | 44.00M |
| BULGARIA | ****** | ****** | ****** | ****** |
Get Indonesia Copper Ore (HS Code 2603) Complete Destination Countries Profile
Indonesia Copper Ore Buyer Companies Analysis
Buyer Concentration & Market Structure
According to yTrade data, the Indonesia Copper ore buyers market is overwhelmingly dominated by a small group of Key Accounts. These High-Volume Repeaters, including major traders like MRI TRADING AG, account for 92.56% of the total export value and 82.68% of all transactions. This structure points to a stable, contract-based supply chain, though it is highly exposed to regulatory shifts, as seen with the export ban in early 2025 [ytrade.com].
Purchasing Behavior & Sales Strategy
This extreme concentration on a few Key Accounts creates significant client dependency risk; losing even one major buyer would severely impact revenue. Sellers should prioritize securing long-term contracts with these established partners, offering value-added services to lock in loyalty. Given the regulatory volatility affecting HS Code 2603 buyer trends, maintaining flexible terms and proactive compliance support is essential to navigate government policy changes.
Table: Indonesia Copper Ore (HS Code 2603) Top Buyers List (Source: yTrade)
| Buyer Company | Value | Quantity | Frequency | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANDES CAPITAL RESOURCES AG | 820.20M | 241.14K | 20.00 | 241.14M |
| TRAFIGURA ASIA TRADING PTE.LTD | 597.31M | 176.11K | 15.00 | 176.11M |
| INDUSTRIAL MINERALS SA | 362.91M | 110.00K | 10.00 | 110.00M |
| WERCO TRADE AG | ****** | ****** | ****** | ****** |
Check Full Indonesia Copper Ore Buyers list
Action Plan for Copper Ore Market Operation and Expansion
- Diversify buyers: Target Japanese and Southeast Asian smelters to reduce reliance on China’s 66.5% market share, leveraging Indonesia’s geographic proximity.
- Lock in contracts: Renegotiate long-term agreements with top buyers (e.g., MRI TRADING AG) to stabilize revenue amid regulatory swings, offering volume discounts for commitment.
- Hedge prices: Use commodity futures to offset the 10.4% unit price drop, especially with bulk shipments vulnerable to global copper price fluctuations.
- Cut logistics costs: Optimize shipping routes and bulk-loading processes to preserve margins, given the low-value, high-volume nature of HS Code 2603 exports.
- Monitor regulations: Track Indonesian policy changes weekly—the February ban and subsequent tax shifts prove reactive adjustments are non-negotiable.
Take Action Now —— Explore Indonesia Copper ore HS Code 2603 Export Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Indonesia Copper ore Export in 2025?
The extreme volatility in Indonesia's Copper ore exports is primarily driven by shifting government policies, including a temporary ban, export taxes, and new repatriation rules, which disrupted supply and pricing dynamics.
Q2. Who are the main destination countries of Indonesia Copper ore (HS Code 2603) in 2025?
China dominates as the top destination, accounting for 66.5% of export value, followed by Japan at 14.7%, reflecting heavy reliance on a single market.
Q3. Why does the unit price differ across destination countries of Indonesia Copper ore Export in 2025?
The uniform unit price (USD 3.35/kg) confirms a bulk commodity market, with no differentiation in product grade or quality across destinations.
Q4. What should exporters in Indonesia focus on in the current Copper ore export market?
Exporters must prioritize securing long-term contracts with key buyers (92.56% of value) and adapt to regulatory changes to mitigate client dependency and policy risks.
Q5. What does this Indonesia Copper ore export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?
Buyers benefit from stable bulk supply but face pricing tied to global benchmarks, with limited leverage due to Indonesia's reliance on a few high-volume traders.
Q6. How is Copper ore typically used in this trade flow?
Copper ore is exported as raw, unprocessed material for smelting and industrial processing, primarily feeding China's metal production demand.
Detailed Monthly and Quarterly Report
Indonesia HS Code 2603 Export Data Snapshot 2025 JAN
Indonesia HS Code 2603 Export Data Snapshot 2025 FEB
Indonesia HS Code 2603 Export Data Snapshot 2025 MAR
Indonesia HS Code 2603 Export Data Snapshot 2025 APR
Indonesia HS Code 2603 Export Data Snapshot 2025 MAY
Indonesia HS Code 2603 Export Data Snapshot 2025 JUN
Indonesia HS Code 2603 Export Data Snapshot 2025 JUL
Indonesia HS Code 2603 Export Data Snapshot 2025 AUG
Indonesia HS Code 2603 Export Data Snapshot 2025 SEP
Indonesia HS Code 2603 Export Data Snapshot 2025 OCT
Indonesia HS Code 2603 Export Data Snapshot 2025 Q1
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