Indonesia Says to Increase US Imports, Lower Orders from Other Countries

JAKARTA: Indonesia plans to boost imports of food and commodities from the U.S. while decreasing purchases from other countries it currently sources these products from, chief economic minister Airlangga Hartarto informed reporters in Washington. Airlangga is in Washington with a group of senior officials to engage with U.S. counterparts regarding a 32 per cent tariff on Indonesian exports, suspended for 90 days.

Indonesia has suggested boosting its imports from the U.S. by as much as $19 billion, including approximately $10 billion in energy imports, to reduce its trade surplus with Washington and avert the tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump's administration. "Indonesia is also looking to acquire agricultural goods such as wheat, soybeans, and soybean meal while boosting its capital goods purchases from the U.S.," stated Airlangga during the press conference streamed on the video conferencing platform Zoom.

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Indonesia will also focus on essential minerals and streamline processes regarding the import of American horticultural products. "We will assist American businesses that have been active in Indonesia concerning permits and incentives," said Airlangga. Following a discussion with the U.S. Trade Representative and the commerce secretary, both nations decided to finalise negotiations in the next 60 days.