Minister Of Trade Budi: Indonesia Still Struggling For A Number Of Commodities To Get Zero Percent Tariff From The US

Minister of Trade Budi Santoso. (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Trade (Mendag) Budi Santoso revealed that the Indonesian government is still negotiating with the United States (US) so that a number of commodities that are not produced in the United States can get an import rate of 0 percent.

"We also want that there are commodities that are not produced by America that can get 0 percent (free tariffs)," he said at the Office of the Ministry of Trade, Jakarta, Thursday, August 7.

Even so, Budi did not reveal further what commodities the government would fight for to be free from tariffs from the US.

"Later, that's another negotiation. Don't say (the various products)," said Budi.

Budi believes that the reduction in tariffs can still occur, because previously there was also a change in the rate from 32 percent to 19 percent. Although, the reciprocal tariff for Indonesia has been in effect from today.

"Now the reciprocal will be enforced on the 7th, while we negotiate again. Because we are given the opportunity to negotiate. Hopefully, before September 1 it will be finished. We will still try to make it better," he said.

For your information, the reciprocal tariff imposed by the US on Indonesia comes into effect today, Thursday, August 7.

This policy has also been announced by the US to 82 other countries.

Meanwhile, Indonesia managed to reduce the amount of import rates imposed by the US, from 32 percent to 19 percent.

The amount of tariffs obtained by Indonesia is one of the lowest in Southeast Asia.