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Cocoa exports dropped During April

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The volume of Indonesian cocoa exports during April decreased by 67.8 percent due to the entry into force of Customs Out of those commodities.

Data Central Statistics Agency (BPS) which was released in Jakarta on Tuesday, citing the export of cocoa for March 2010 reached about 50 thousand tons, while in April fell to 16 133 tonnes.

The value of Indonesia's commodity exports in April 2010 also declined compared to March 2010 from 148 million dollars to 53.5 million U.S. dollars, down 63.8 percent.

Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said the decline in exports was only temporary.

"This transition because there are new rules, there is always a transition period. I predict will rise again next month," he said.

The government set the Customs Exit cocoa beans by 10 percent for April and Export Check Price (HPE) of 2603 U.S. dollars per ton.

The Minister added a goal for cocoa Exit Customs enforcement is to encourage an increase in the value-added commodity Expo.

"Is not this essentially aim to increase the added value of cocoa exports as a whole," he added.