Featured Data Additions

GLSECTOR → Selected Indicators by Country/Special Areas → Indonesia → Agricultural Production

Agricultural production statistics for Indonesia were added to the GLSECTOR database. This table reported in thousands of metric tons includes some of the major commodities like rubber, palm oil, and sugar cane. Monthly data are sourced from Badan Pusat Statistik and start in January 2009.

Chart: While the rubber production sector is economically important and employs millions, it faces challenges like declining productivity per hectare, low prices, and stagnant demand over the last decade. On the other hand, palm oil is more profitable, leading farmers to convert rubber plantations to oil palm. The commodity benefits from high global demand, government support, and favorable cultivation conditions, driving its expansion.

EMERGEPR → Vietnam → National Accounts → Spending on Research & Development

Spending on research and development statistics for Vietnam were added to EMERGEPR. Series reported in billions of dongs are available by funding sources, by field of study, and by area of activity. Annual data are sourced from the National Statistics Office of Vietnam and start in 2015.

Chart: R&D spending in Vietnam has risen from 0.36% of GDP in 2015 to 0.43% in 2021, and stands at 0.42% as of 2023. Despite the slight upward trend, the scale and structure of R&D investment still lags behind regional and global peers. In contrast, China allocates 2.63% of GDP to R&D, enabling rapid technological advancement. The Vietnamese government has set a goal of increasing R&D investment to 2% of GDP by 2030 – without it, the country risks being trapped between low-cost manufacturing economies and high-tech powerhouses.

ENERGY → Electricity → Area Price by Region → Japan Electric Power Exchange

Electricity trading statistics for Japan were added to the ENERGY database. Wholesale spot electricity market prices for 9 Japanese regions are available, along with a table for contract buying and selling volumes. These 7-day daily data are sourced from the Japan Electric Power Exchange and start in April 2005.

Chart: Differences in electricity prices between eastern and western Japan are caused by the separation of the country's grid into two separate systems with distinct operating frequencies. Western Japan has seen more efficient nuclear reactor restarts and a higher concentration of solar power, which contributes to lower prices. Prices in eastern Japan can have a risk premium associated with the continued delays of nuclear reactor restarts. The region also relies more heavily on expensive thermal generation.

EMERGEPR → Malaysia → Public Finance and Debt → 1st and Revised Budget Estimates

Petroleum and nonpetroleum federal budget estimates for Malaysia were added to the EMERGEPR database. These series are available in millions of ringgit or as a percent of total revenue. Annual data are sourced from the Ministry of Finance Malaysia and start as early as 2009.

Chart: Malaysia's petroleum-related revenue is projected to decline to 43 billion ringgit in 2026, a significant drop from previous years. Lower crude prices and reduced dividends from Petronas, its state-owned petroleum company, are contributing factors for the decline. As a share of total revenue, petroleum-related revenues have decreased from 41.3% in 2009 to 12.5% in 2026. This highlights Malaysia's goal to reduce its reliance on commodity-based revenue. Nonpetroleum revenues are expected to rise by 8.1% in 2026.

JAPANR → Production → Rice Yield

Rice and wheat agricultural statistics for Japan were added to the JAPANR database. Metrics covering cultivated area reported in hectares and yields reported in kilograms and metric tons are available for Japan and 47 regions. These annual data are sourced from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and begin as early as 2005.

Chart: A rice shortage in Japan caused a national crisis earlier this year as prices soared to record highs. Record high temperatures could curb the country’s rice harvest, threatening to create additional shortages and fresh price spikes. The USDA, which produces global crop forecasts, currently estimates Japan’s 2025 rice production at 7.28 million tons. While that’s almost steady with a year earlier, it would mark the smallest crop since 2003.