Indonesia Ministry of Trade targets ASEAN expansion and EU steel market security

The Indonesian Ministry of Trade is implementing dual strategies to expand and protect national export markets during the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia.

To expand market access, the Ministry is encouraging businesses—including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—to utilize ASEAN and ASEAN Plus trade agreements. Key sectors targeted for expansion into the Asia-Pacific region include pharmaceuticals, processed foods, and seafood. High-potential markets identified include South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) framework.

Simultaneously, the Ministry is working to secure steel export access to the European Union and the United Kingdom. This effort responds to new import tariffs, quotas, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) implemented by these regions. The government is pursuing these interests through multilateral negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and bilateral approaches via the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EU CEPA).