PT Tata Metal Lestari, a leading coated steel producer, is capitalizing on the market expansion opportunities in Australia through the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA). Maharany Putri, Head of Government & Public Relations at PT Tata Metal Lestari, stated that IA-CEPA significantly impacts the steel industries in both countries by enhancing trade, investment, and economic cooperation. With the elimination of import tariffs from 15% to 0% on 250,000 tons of Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) and Cold Rolled Coil (CRC) in the first year, increasing by 5% annually, price competitiveness of final products in both countries and even third countries will be fostered. "This agreement proves to enhance market access by reducing barriers and costs for exporters to Australia. It also opens resource potential for Indonesia's downstream steel industry, showing better cost efficiency and fair pricing. Final products can also be exported to third countries," Maharany stated in an official release on Wednesday, 17 July 2024.
On Thursday, 11 July 2024, a Coordination Meeting and Technical Meeting (Rakornis) of Trade Representatives Abroad took place at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Australia, inaugurated by Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan. Rakornis Perwadag 2024 was held in Melbourne from 10 to 12 July 2024, attended by 120 Indonesian trade representatives abroad, including the WTO Ambassador in Geneva, the KDEI Head in Taipei, Trade Attachés, Trade Consuls in Hong Kong, and ITPC Heads. PT Tata Metal Lestari participated in the mini-expo during Rakornis Perwadag 2024. "Rakornis Perwadag 2024 and visits to PT Tata Metal Lestari's strategic partners demonstrate the remarkable collaboration between the government and Indonesian businesses, aiming to boost Indonesia's non-oil export performance, including increasing steel product exports to the global market," Maharany explained. This initiative underscores the potential growth and competitive edge for Indonesia’s steel industry in the international arena, driven by strategic trade agreements and government-business collaboration.
