Members Of Commission IV Ask The Government To Waive Fishery Export Tariffs, Here's The Reason

Illustration. Quarantine officers check tuna from West Sumatra to be exported. (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Muhammad Dhevy Bijak, asked the government to waive fishery export tariffs to various countries.

According to him, so far, it is difficult for national fishery products to compete with other countries due to high export tariffs.

"However, the import duty rate for our fishery products in most European countries is still 15 percent. Thus, it is difficult for our exports of fishery products to compete," he said in his statement, Tuesday, May 23.

For your information, currently only a few European countries that are members of the European-Free Trade Association (EFTA), such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, have agreed to reduce import tariffs (trade in goods) by zero percent as of November 2021.

"Meanwhile, fishery exports from neighboring countries, such as the Philippines and Vietnam, are not subject to tariffs in all European countries," he explained.

For this reason, Dhevy also asked for clarity on the extent of the efforts of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) in carrying out international trade agreements.

"This is to remove import duty rates in several Indonesian fishery product markets," he said.

Previously, the Director General of Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine and Fishery Products (PDSKP) KKP Artati Widiarti stated that the potential for lowering import duty rates could be achieved.

As in Japan, Indonesia will get tariff exemptions (0 percent) in stages for Tilapia, Catfish, Cobia, Crabs and Swimming Crabs, Mussels, Snails, and Fillets.

Then for Processed Tuna, it will be reduced gradually from 9.6 percent to 4.7 percent.

In South Korea, Indonesia has the opportunity to get tariff exemptions (0 percent) in stages, including for Swordfish, Tuna, Mackerel, Anchovies, Shrimp and Fillet.

Meanwhile in China, Australia and New Zealand, Indonesia will be exempted from import duties for fishery products.