MEASURING THE COMPARATIVE AND COMPETITION OF INDONESIAN WOOD CHARCOAL EXPORTS IN THE SAUDI ARABIAN MARKET

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the comparative and competitive export of wood charcoal in four potential countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and Vietnam, in the Saudi Arabian Market with HS Code 4402. This study used annual data for nine years from 2014 - 2022, divided into three periods.   Method: This study used the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) and concentration Ratio (CR), Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA), Export Product Dynamic (EPD), X-Model, and Trade Specialization Index (ISP) models to measure the wood charcoal industry in the Saudi Arabian Market.   Result: The findings show that wood charcoal market in Saudi Arabia exhibits a strict oligopoly structure, with Indonesia and China dominating the market share. Indonesia emerged as the top supplier of wood charcoal to Saudi Arabia during for nine years. Malaysia showed the highest competitiveness among potential countries in certain periods. Overall, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and Malaysia demonstrated strong competitive positions, with dynamic export growth, positioning them as "Rising Stars" in the market. These countries specialized as wood charcoal exporters to Saudi Arabia, reaching a mature stage in their market presence during the analyzed period from 2014 to 2022.   Conclusion: This study concludes that Indonesia became the highest supplier with a market share of 53.51% and had a strong comparative advantage. Malaysia has the highest optimistic market development, followed by Indonesia, Vietnam, and China. Indonesia's wood charcoal competitiveness position remains in the Rising Star position. The Trade Specialization Index of four potential countries at this stage of maturation.