Indonesia Delayed B50 Biodiesel Mandate, Maintained B40 in 2026

MACROECONOMY 
US Retail Sales Rose 0.6% MoM in Nov-25 
Retail sales in the US increased 0.6% MoM in Nov-25 (vs Oct-25; –0.1% revised), marking the strongest gain since Jul-25 and beating consensus of +0.4%. The rebound was driven by recovering auto sales after the expiry of EV tax incentives and solid holiday shopping momentum. Broad-based gains were seen across sporting goods (+1.9%), miscellaneous retailers (+1.7%), gasoline stations (+1.4%), while electronics and general merchandise were flat. Core retail sales used for GDP calculations rose 0.4% MoM, signaling resilient consumer demand heading into year-end. (Trading Economics) 

INDUSTRY 
Indonesia Delayed B50 Biodiesel Mandate, Maintained B40 in 2026
Indonesia postponed the implementation of the mandatory B50 biodiesel blend in 2026, maintaining the current B40 mix (40% palm-based biodiesel, 60% diesel), as the govt. continues evaluating the timeline needed to complete B50 fuel trials, particularly for trains, heavy equipment, and industrial engines. The decision was also influenced by recently expanded domestic diesel production capacity, reducing near-term urgency to cut diesel imports. Authorities said a new B50 timeline will be set after trial completion. Separately, Indonesia will raise CPO export levy to 12.5% starting 01-Mar-26, while levies on processed palm oil products will increase by 2.5 ppts, from current CPO levy of 10% and processed-product range of 4.75–9.5%. (Kontan)

COMPANY 
Astra International (ASII) Halted Share Buyback After Reaching IDR 2 tn Limit 
ASII stopped its share buyback program without an EGMS effective from the second trading session on 13 Jan-26, earlier than the initial end date of 30 Jan-26, after fully utilizing the maximum allocated fund of IDR 2 tn. Since the buyback commenced on 03 Nov 25, ASII has repurchased 305.21 mn shares with a total value of IDR 1.99 tn, in compliance with regulations limiting buybacks to a maximum of 20% of shares outstanding while maintaining a minimum 7.5% free float. (Kontan)