Indonesia Eximbank-Assisted SME Secures 20-Ton Nutmeg Export Transaction to China

Jakarta, October 2, 2026 – Indonesia has a long-standing history of playing a strategic role in the global nutmeg trade. To date, Indonesia remains the world’s largest producer and exporter of nutmeg, contributing approximately 70–80% of global demand, based on Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data processed by the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia. China and Vietnam are among the two main markets for Indonesian nutmeg exports.

During January–May 2026, a study by the Indonesia Eximbank Institute recorded a weakening in nutmeg exports, in line with declining global demand, particularly from China. Exports of nutmeg, mace, and cardamom (HS 0908) contracted by 12.8% in value and 18.2% in volume cumulatively year-on-year (ctc) compared with the January–May 2025 period. The decline was attributed to an economic slowdown that contributed to weaker household consumption in China.

To revitalize nutmeg exports to China, the Indonesia Export Financing Institution (LPEI) / Indonesia Eximbank collaborated with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of the Republic of Indonesia and participated in The 21st China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF) 2026, held in Guangzhou, China, from September 3–6, 2026. The event was organized by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to support Indonesian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in gaining access to potential international buyers.

Indonesia Eximbank accompanied SMEs and its clients in the spice and coconut product sectors by leveraging business matching activities facilitated by the Ministry of MSMEs to expand market access in China. The support has also benefited CV Alpha Agro Indonesia, a spice exporter that successfully secured a post-exhibition transaction for 20 tons of nutmeg valued at IDR 181.3 million.

Lusy, Manager of CV Alpha Agro Indonesia, said the company’s participation in the exhibition was not only aimed at finding buyers and strengthening its brand presence in international markets, but also provided an opportunity to learn about prospective buyers’ characteristics and better understand market demand.

“We are very grateful for the support from the Government, including through LPEI, which enabled us to participate in this exhibition. For us, the event was not only an opportunity to strengthen our branding, but also to conduct benchmarking and gain a better understanding of market requirements, including buyer preferences, payment schemes, and shipping processes,” said Lusy.

Lusy emphasized that the success of SMEs at international exhibitions should not be measured solely by transactions secured during the event, but also by their ability to turn meetings with prospective buyers into sustainable business opportunities. As reaching an export agreement takes time, SMEs need to consistently follow up with prospective buyers while ensuring product quality and continuity of supply so that they are ready to fulfill demand once a transaction is agreed upon.

Maria Sidabutar, Head of the Consulting Services Division at Indonesia Eximbank, expressed her appreciation to the Ministry of MSMEs of the Republic of Indonesia for encouraging export-oriented MSMEs to build business partnerships through CISMEF 2026. The Ministry of MSMEs participated as the co-host country for the second time since 2013.

“CISMEF 2026 represents an important momentum for Indonesian SMEs to expand market access and establish partnerships with buyers in China. We appreciate the Ministry of MSMEs of the Republic of Indonesia for its continued efforts to encourage export-oriented MSMEs to seize opportunities in the global market.

“In line with its mandate, Indonesia Eximbank is committed to supporting SMEs through both market access and business capacity-building initiatives. We hope that this synergy will enable more Indonesian SMEs to scale up and develop their businesses sustainably in global markets,” said Maria.

Indonesia Eximbank will continue to support national exports through its Financing services, including working capital and investment financing for exporters, as well as Guarantees, Insurance, and Consulting Services. These services provide training and business assistance to help export-oriented MSMEs strengthen their business capacity and sustainably expand their reach into international markets.