The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) successfully concluded negotiations resulting in a 0% export tariff agreement for four processed tuna commodities to Japan. The zero export tariff applies to canned tuna and skipjack tuna, reducing from the previous 9.6% to 0%. Additionally, two tariff positions, katsuobushi with HS Code 1604.14-091 and other tuna under HS Code 1604.14-099, also decreased from 9.6% to 0%. Director General of Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine and Fisheries Products (PDSPKP) at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Budi Sulistiyo explained that the 0% tariff agreement for katsuobushi involves the condition of a certificate stating the minimum length of skipjack as 30 cm. The agreement will be effective no earlier than the end of 2024, pending the completion of the ratification process between the two countries. This agreement aligns with efforts to boost tuna exports, especially as Indonesia has designated 2024 as the "Year of Tuna."
Japan stands as a crucial export destination for Indonesian fisheries products, particularly tuna. Japan is the world's second-largest importer of skipjack tuna, with import value reaching USD 2.2 billion, accounting for approximately 13% of the global total in 2022. Taiwan, China, and Thailand are the main suppliers to Japan, with Indonesia ranking sixth with a 7% share. In the period from January to November 2023, Indonesia exported fisheries products worth USD 632.7 million to Japan. The exports included shrimp (45%), skipjack tuna (25%), pearls (8%), blue swimming crab (5%), and squid-octopus-cuttlefish (3%). For the four agreed HS code categories of processed tuna with a 0% tariff, the exports during that period amounted to USD 47.6 million, contributing to 30% of Indonesia's skipjack tuna exports to Japan. Despite the agreement, Budi mentioned that Indonesia proposed integrating the certification requirement for a minimum 30 cm length of skipjack raw materials with the Catch Certification (SHTI), harmonized with the Japan Catch Documentation Scheme (JCDS). This harmonization aims to streamline and facilitate the certification process. Following the agreement, the KKP is working on strengthening and organizing Fish Processing Units (UPI) that will benefit from the 0% preferential tariff. This includes measures related to the 30 cm minimum size requirement for skipjack, such as registration, strengthening standard operating procedures, integrity pacts, and fish traceability. Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, previously emphasized the ministry's focus in 2024 on continuing the implementation of blue economy-based priority programs.
