The Indonesian government is set to issue a revised trade regulation to streamline import procedures, reduce port congestion, and support importers with regulatory relief. The amendment to Trade Regulation No. 8/2024 aims to improve efficiency amid global trade slowdowns. However, economic analysts and industry stakeholders warn of potential risks to domestic markets, urging the government to focus on easing the import of raw materials while restricting finished goods to protect local industries. Esther Sri Astuti of Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF) and Erwin Taufan, Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Importers Association (GINSI) emphasized the need for balanced policies that enhance supply chain stability without harming national production. To address concerns, the Ministry of Trade proposed keeping strategic and sensitive product categories excluded from deregulation. These include:Strategic commodities under HS Code 454, such as rice, sugar, salt, fishery products, corn, garlic, crude oil, natural gas, livestock, and animal products.Goods affecting national security, public safety, health, the environment, or posing moral hazard (HS Code 326), including uncut diamonds, explosives, nitrocellulose, ozone-depleting substances, and alcoholic beverages.Strategic goods and labor-intensive industry products (HS Code 1,715), such as textiles and garments, tires, and iron or steel products.Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso confirmed the regulation is nearing completion and assured that deregulation will be selective, based on each sector’s competitiveness. The overall goal, he stated, is to provide certainty for businesses while curbing illegal imports and protecting vital domestic sectors.Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/indonesias-import-deregulation-nears-completion-experts-urge-safeguards-for-domestic-industry (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: Jakarta Globe, 19 May 2025