Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan has announced the export of eight containers of coated steel products to Australia, Canada, and Puerto Rico, showcasing the collaboration between the government and businesses to boost Indonesia’s non-oil and gas export performance. "To become a developed country, we must dominate the global market. We take pride in exporting UMKM (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) products, and even more so with high-tech industries like steel," Zulkifli stated in Jakarta on Saturday. He noted that the demand for Indonesian steel products from importers in Canada and Australia has increased by 16.94% and 14.72%, respectively, over the past five years. Given Indonesia's trade deficit with both countries due to significant imports, Zulkifli hopes that exporting coated steel products will help reduce this deficit. He emphasized that the government will continue to promote market access for Indonesian products in Australia and Canada, partly through trade agreements. Indonesia already has the Indonesia-Australia CEPA, while the Indonesia-Canada CEPA is still under negotiation.
Zulkifli praised PT Tata Metal Lestari (Tatalogam Group), the producer and exporter of the coated steel products, for seizing market opportunities and diversifying their export markets. The company’s adherence to green and sustainable industrial principles enhances the competitiveness of their products. "Hopefully, this indicates that our goal of becoming a developed country by 2045 is achievable," he added. Stephanus Koeswandi, Vice President of Operations at PT Tata Metal Lestari, highlighted the role of government support, protection of the domestic industry, sustainable industrial restructuring, innovation, and adaptation in achieving export milestones. The company, established in 2019, currently operates at 85% of its production capacity, with 30% of its output destined for export. "Export sales contribute 25% to 30% of our total revenue, demonstrating the global market's acceptance of our quality and pricing," he said. The export ceremony took place in Sadang, Purwakarta, West Java, on Friday, 21 June, following the Minister’s dialogue with local MSMEs at Galeri Menong, Purwakarta.
