The Government Is Still Negotiating Trump's Tariffs, Especially Furniture Products
JAKARTA - The Indonesian government is still negotiating import rates with the United States (US). There are several commodities that are sought to get a reduction in tariffs, one of which is furniture products.
Deputy Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN) Mari Elka Pangestu admitted that she was surprised because AS wanted to charge 100 percent tariff for Indonesian furniture products.
"Yesterday he just announced that he wanted to win 100 percent for furniture, for example. Shocked us. Now we want to ask for an exception. So this is also part of what we will continue to negotiate," he said when met at The Tribrata Darmawangsa, Jakarta, Wednesday, August 27.
Let's say the government seeks to exclude this tariff on the basis that Indonesian furniture products do not compete with local American products.
"So asking for an exception must be based. Based on what? This is not competing with American products. And it is impossible for this product to be produced there. Meanwhile, it is very important for us. How many people are workers, how many farmers," he said.
Mari said, the government is very aware of the imposition of tariffs for this furniture product. This is because 60 percent of the country's furniture exports are aimed at Uncle Sam's country.
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"We have to be aware of furniture. Especially if it gets big, it (100 percent). Because the furniture sector depends on the large American market. About 60 percent of our furniture exports to America," he said.
For your information, United States President Donald Trump will conduct an investigation regarding the import rate of furniture in his country. The investigation into the import rate will be completed within the next 50 days. However, until now there are no details regarding the investigation or tariff plan in question.