Indonesia nears trade deals with EU, Eurasian bloc
The two agreements are the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Indonesia-EAEU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Trade Minister Budi Santoso said the agreements are crucial amid global trade uncertainty, with the potential to diversify Indonesia's export markets and provide alternatives for products impacted by the United States tariff policies.
"Negotiations are progressing rapidly, and we are targeting completion this year. We will ensure the benefits can be felt by businesses and the public at large,' he said in a statement.
The deals aim to lower tariff and non-tariff barriers on key Indonesian exports such as palm oil, agricultural products, textiles, and electronics, while also covering investment, sustainability, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Talks with the EU began in 2016, while negotiations with the EAEU, comprising Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, were launched in 2022.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Indonesia's total trade with the EU reached US$30.1 billion in 2024, with a US$4.5 billion surplus, and trade with the EAEU stood at US$4.1 billion, with a US$1.1 billion deficit.
The ministry said the agreements are expected to diversify export markets and reinforce Indonesia's position as a key economic player in Southeast Asia.
"These deals are not only about increasing trade, but also about boosting competitiveness, creating jobs, and supporting industrial growth,' said International Trade Negotiations director-general Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono.
The Indonesian government is promoting the deals through its BISA Export Programme, which supports local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing global markets through business matching, training, and partnerships. - Bernama
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