Oct trade surplus of 2.5 bln is below forecast of 3.1 bln
Exports 10.3 yy, vs 3.8 in poll
Imports 17.5 yy, vs 7.1 in poll

JAKARTA, Nov 15 Reuters Indonesia reported strongerthanexpected export and import growth in October, amid strong agriculture shipments, official data showed on Friday.

However, its trade surplus shrank to a threemonth low of 2.47 billion. A Reuters poll of analysts had expected a surplus of 3.05 billion versus a revised 3.23 billion in September.

The October trade data will be among a host of economic indicators the central bank will review to determine its monetary policy stance at a meeting next week.

Exports from resourcerich Indonesia have recently recovered from a period when export values fell sharply due to declining global commodity prices.

Statistics Indonesia, which provided the trade data, said global prices for some of the country39;s commodities have since recovered, such as prices of agricultural, metal and mineral products, but energy prices were still below last year39;s.

Indonesia is a major exporter of palm oil, coal, nickel, tin and natural gas, among other resources.

In October, exports rose 10.25 from a year earlier to 24.41 billion, far above a forecast rise of 3.84 in the Reuters poll. The pace of growth was the fastest since January, 2023.

Palm oil shipments rose an annual 25.35 in October to 2.37 billion, as export volumes and prices both increased. Palm oil prices have been propped by Indonesia39;s ambitious biofuel…