Indonesia and the European Union are nearing the conclusion of the Indonesia–EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA), a free trade deal nearly nine years in the making. Expected to be finalized by the end of June 2025, the agreement will eliminate or phase out tariffs on about 80% of Indonesia’s exports to the EU, including apparel, footwear, palm oil, and automotive components. In return, the EU will gain improved access to Indonesia’s markets for machinery, chemicals, and services. The deal also includes provisions for investment protection, regulatory cooperation, and streamlined customs procedures, aiming to boost trade and industrial development on both sides. For Indonesia, the CEPA is a strategic move to diversify trade partners and attract EU investment in sectors like electric vehicles, digital infrastructure, and critical minerals. The agreement is expected to significantly increase Indonesia’s exports to the EU, which already saw a trade surplus rise from US$2.5 billion in 2023 to US$4.5 billion in 2024. European companies will benefit from reduced trade barriers and stronger legal protections, although concerns remain over regulatory clarity and local content rules. If ratified, the IEU-CEPA will mark one of the EU’s most comprehensive trade agreements with an ASEAN country, setting a new benchmark for regional economic cooperation.Source: https://www.aseanbriefing.com/news/trade-breakthrough-ahead-indonesia-eu-cepa/ (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: Aseanbriefing.com, 10 June 2025