Impact of U.S. 47% Import Tariff: APINDO Kaltara Calls for New Export Markets
Friday, 25 April 2025
TARAKAN – The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to raise import tariffs to 47 percent—up from the previous rate of 37 percent—has had a significant impact on manufacturing industries in North Kalimantan (Kaltara).
Anita Riawati, Secretary of the Provincial Executive Board (DPP) of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (APINDO) Kaltara, stated that Indonesia’s economy is already experiencing a downturn, compounded by recent political developments.
“The rise of Prabowo in Indonesia and Donald Trump in the United States has sparked significant changes. It’s affecting demand for our manufactured products (Idec),” she told Radar Tarakan on Friday (April 25).
Manufacturing companies in Kaltara, she said, are now burdened with excess stock that cannot be exported due to the high export tariffs.
“On the other hand, the Indonesian government’s policy requiring 100 percent of foreign exchange earnings from exports to be held domestically for one year is also having a significant impact,” she added.
These developments, she warned, are putting pressure on local businesses in Kaltara and could potentially lead to industrial closures unless the government steps in with a solution.
“We are currently awaiting a visit from the relevant economic ministry, which has promised the opening of new export markets beyond the United States,” she said.
Riawati noted that the regional economy in Kaltara is currently slowing down. APINDO Kaltara hopes that access to new markets will help ease economic pressure in the province, especially as export costs to regions like Europe and the United States remain high.
“While the impact may not yet be overwhelming—since our coal exports go mainly to the U.S., and manufactured goods to Japan and China—it’s still a growing concern,” she concluded.
Source: radartarakan.jawapos.com
