As the U.S. under President Trump imposes steep tariffs — including a 32% reciprocal tariff on Indonesian imports — Indonesia is shifting focus toward diversifying its trade partners, with the European Union emerging as a key target. In response to the escalating trade tensions, Indonesia is prioritizing the long-delayed Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has been under negotiation since 2016. Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto indicated that the deal is nearly finalized, with only trade transparency remaining as a hurdle. President Prabowo has emphasized tapping into the broader 83% of global trade outside the U.S., citing the EU’s $16.6 trillion economy as a strong opportunity for Indonesian exports, particularly in footwear and apparel.European officials, including French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin and EU trade chief Bernd Lange, have also expressed interest in accelerating CEPA discussions. The EU views trade diversification as a strategic priority amid rising global protectionism. Lange is expected to visit Indonesia soon to push the deal forward. Despite recent trade fluctuations with France, Indonesia’s overall surplus with the EU nearly doubled to $4.5 billion in 2024. Both sides aim to finalize the CEPA by mid-2025, signaling a mutual desire to strengthen bilateral trade and reduce dependency on volatile U.S. markets.Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/indonesia-eu-seek-each-others-markets-as-trump-tariffs-take-effect (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: Jakarta Globe, 9 April 2025