Indonesia explores new rice export markets and US trade deal

Indonesia is exploring new markets for rice exports, with Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman identifying the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste as potential destinations. This follows recent rice exports to Malaysia, which reached 1,000 tons. The government reports a strong national rice surplus, noting that current stocks have reached 5.2 million tons, exceeding domestic warehouse capacity.

Separately, Indonesia is seeking to strengthen economic ties with the United States through a proposed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART). Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that the framework aims to increase market certainty, improve trade access, and integrate Indonesian industries into global supply chains. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasized that the agreement is central to reducing trade barriers and attracting value-added investment to foster sustainable growth.