Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, is set to depart for the United States on Tuesday to continue negotiations over Washington’s planned 32 percent reciprocal tariff on Indonesian goods.

"Following the US government’s statement on its latest import tariff policy, Minister Hartarto will travel to Washington, D.C., after previously accompanying President Prabowo Subianto in Brazil," said Haryo Limanseto, the ministry’s spokesperson.

Hartarto is expected to meet with US officials to discuss the tariff, which is scheduled to take effect on August 1.

Limanseto emphasized that Indonesia remains firm in its efforts to secure more favorable terms.

"The US has signaled some openness to revisiting the decision. We intend to maximize this opportunity to protect our national interests," he said.

US President Donald Trump recently confirmed the decision to maintain a 32 percent import tariff on Indonesian products — unchanged from the rate announced in April — despite ongoing negotiations.

"Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge Indonesia a tariff of only 32 percent on any and all Indonesian products sent into the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs," Trump stated in a letter from the White House dated July 7 and addressed to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Trump said the move was aimed at addressing the long-standing US trade deficit with Indonesia.

"Please understand that the 32 percent figure is far less than what is needed to eliminate the trade deficit disparity we have with your country," Trump said in the letter.

He warned that if Indonesia retaliates with higher tariffs, the US would respond in kind — matching the increase and adding the existing 32 percent.

However, Trump offered an alternative path, saying Indonesia would be exempt from the tariffs if it began manufacturing products in the US. He promised fast-track approvals for any such investments.

He also hinted at the possibility of revising the tariff rate if Indonesia makes its market more accessible to US goods and services.

Other Southeast Asian nations have seen changes to their tariff status. Thailand and Cambodia now face additional import tariffs of 36 percent — adjusted from previous rates of 36 and 49 percent, respectively — while Malaysia’s rate has risen slightly from 24 to 25 percent.

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Translator: Bayu Saputra, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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