Bird’s nests continue to generate significant export value for Indonesia, particularly in the Chinese market. During the first half of 2026, Indonesia’s bird’s nest exports to China reached US$172.15 million, equivalent to approximately IDR 3 trillion at an exchange rate of IDR 17,705 per US dollar. The figure is based on the latest data released by Statistics Indonesia (BPS).
In terms of volume, Indonesia exported approximately 186.8 tons of bird’s nests to China during the period. This highlights the strong and sustained demand for Indonesian bird’s nests, which are widely valued in China as a premium food product and are commonly used in traditional culinary and health-related practices.
According to Antara News Agency on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the export value of Indonesian bird’s nests to China declined by around 4% compared with the same period last year. Nevertheless, China remained the largest importer of Indonesian bird’s nests, accounting for approximately 80% of Indonesia’s total bird’s nest exports. This dominant share underlines China’s strategic importance as the primary destination market for the commodity.
Bird’s nests have been among Indonesia’s leading export commodities to China for many years. The sector not only contributes to foreign exchange earnings but also supports businesses and communities involved in swallow farming, processing, packaging, quality control, and export logistics across various regions of Indonesia.
Trade relations between Indonesia and China in the bird’s nest sector continue to strengthen through cooperation between government institutions and industry stakeholders. One example was the China-Indonesia Bird’s Nest Trade Summit Forum, organized by Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade in collaboration with the China Agricultural Wholesale Markets Association (CAWA) in April 2026. The forum served as an opportunity to promote Indonesian bird’s nests, strengthen market access, discuss quality standards, and encourage closer business cooperation between exporters and buyers from both countries.
Export activity has also continued at the regional level. Most recently, the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) officially certified the export of swallow’s nests from Banten Province on Friday, August 21, 2026. The shipment was valued at IDR 38.7 billion, demonstrating the growing contribution of regional producers to Indonesia’s export performance.
Besides mainland China, other important destinations for Indonesian swallow’s nest exports include the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which recorded an import value of US$15.7 million during the first half of 2026. Singapore also remained a notable market, with Indonesian swallow’s nest exports valued at approximately US$10 million.
Outside Asia, Indonesia also exports swallow’s nests to the United States, indicating broader international market potential. With continued improvements in product quality, traceability, quarantine certification, and market diversification, Indonesia is expected to maintain its position as one of the world’s key suppliers of high-quality bird’s nests.
August 25, 2026, detikFinance
(https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8633752/china-jadi-pasar-terbesar-sarang-walet-ri-ekspornya-tembus-rp-3-t)