Indonesia aims to secure an 18% tariff rate in a trade deal with the US, down from the current 19%, during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Washington.
JAKARTA: Indonesia hopes to secure a lower tariff rate in a trade deal with the United States during a visit by President Prabowo Subianto this week. Presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi confirmed the goal on Wednesday.
“Perhaps if we only look at other countries, there are those whose tariff rate was reduced to 18%,” Prasetyo told reporters. “Yes, we want to reduce it to 18%, but it is not up to us to decide.”
He added that the good relationship between the two leaders may lead to policy changes. Prabowo arrived in Washington on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the US President’s Board of Peace and to sign a trade agreement.
Last year, Indonesia reached an agreement with Washington that set tariffs on its exports to the US at 19%. This was down from an initial rate of 32%.
Prabowo is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump. He will also attend an economic forum hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce.
Indonesia’s cabinet secretary said the meeting with Trump will focus on strengthening ties. The talks aim to boost strategic cooperation, especially through the trade agreement.
