The Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, released an export of 1,200 metric tons of welded beam steel products, produced by PT Gunung Raja Paksi, worth USD 1.5 million to New Zealand. Budi explained that this export opportunity was made possible by Indonesia's participation in the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), which allows for a 0% tariff on steel exports to New Zealand. "We are also leveraging the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA, so our steel is exempt from tariffs, which makes it easier for us to compete with other countries," said Budi during the export release event in Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java, on Wednesday.
Budi also noted that New Zealand has many infrastructure projects, such as bridges and airports, which present significant opportunities for Indonesian steel in the market. He further encouraged micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) to improve product quality to be able to enter the export market and compete effectively with other countries. The Ministry of Trade is actively supporting UMKM to contribute to Indonesia's national export target of 7.1% by 2025, with an export value goal of USD 294.45 billion. Additionally, the Ministry is assisting UMKM in starting and expanding their exports through business matching, trade missions, and international exhibitions. "UMKM should not be left behind domestically; our target is for UMKM to export. If they can export, it means they are ready to innovate and adapt. Once they can export, entering the domestic market becomes easier," Budi concluded. He hopes that the steel export to New Zealand will inspire other entrepreneurs to enter the international market.
