Minister Of Trade Budi Pede Exports Indonesia In 2026 Stays Growing Amid Trump's Tariffs

JAKARTA - Minister of Trade (Mendag) Budi Santoso is optimistic that Indonesia's exports next year can grow amid the resipulation rates imposed by the President of the United States (US) Donald Trump.

According to Budi, Trump's tariff will not be a barrier to national export growth next year.

"Oh no, no (Trump's tariff will interfere with exports in 2026). So we are optimistic. It already exists, we made 5 years, that's what (growth) this year is 7.1 percent. That's 9 percent until 2029," he said. met in South Jakarta, Thursday, December 4th.

According to Budi, the export projections installed are to support national economic growth at 8 percent.

"This is to support 8 percent economic growth. So we already have calculations, and we are optimistic. Optimistic is achieved," he said.

In addition, Budi also said the government was still waiting for a US decision regarding the tariff negotiations imposed on Indonesia.

"Not yet, still waiting. Hopefully, it's still waiting," he said.

Regarding the export target this year, Budi also admitted that he was optimistic that it could be achieved at 294.5 billion US dollars.

Although, currently national exports are only at the level of 79.5 percent of the target.

"It's an increase at the end of the year, it's 7.1 percent, now it's growing 6.96 percent (throughout January to October 2025). So we'll pursue it later, our target, you know, is our target to determine. So later, hopefully December will be more than 7.1 percent," said Budi.

Budi said that this optimism was getting stronger after having a dialogue with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Indonesian Export Entrepreneurs Association (GPEI).

"Yesterday we discussed with Kadin, with GPEI that we are optimistic that it will be achieved," he said.