Budi Sulistyo, Director General of Strengthening the Competitiveness of Marine and Fishery Products (PDSPKP) at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), announced plans to expand market access for Indonesian canned fish products to the European Union and the United States. Sulistyo expressed optimism about the prospects of Indonesia's canned fish industry, noting that the EU and the US are among the top global importers of canned fish. According to data, the EU holds a market share of 39.3%, the US 14.7%, the Middle East 7.5%, Japan 5.3%, and ASEAN 3.5%. Indonesia currently ranks eighth in global canned fish exports, with a market share of 3.5%. Sulistyo outlined several strategies to enhance market access for Indonesian canned fish products in the EU and US, including facilitating the registration of EU approval numbers for HACCP grade A certified Fish Processing Units (UPI). He emphasized the need for trade negotiations to eliminate tariff barriers to the EU and the US. "Negotiations for duty-free access are essential," Sulistyo stated on Monday, 20 May 2024.
He also mentioned that Japan will soon ratify duty-free entry for canned tuna and skipjack products. Currently, Indonesia's primary export destinations for canned fish include Saudi Arabia, Japan, Thailand, the US, and Australia. Sulistyo highlighted the broader economic benefits of expanding market access for canned fish exporters, noting that it would increase national revenue and create employment opportunities. According to data from the Processing Eligibility Certificate, at least 20,000 people are employed in 40 medium to large-scale canning UPIs. "This figure only reflects the processing industry, not the multiplier effects from raw material suppliers such as can manufacturers and fish providers," Sulistyo added.
