With the signing of the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA), many of Indonesia’s marine products will immediately benefit from 0% import tariffs when entering Canada. This tariff elimination is expected to boost both the volume and value of seafood exports, making Indonesian marine goods more competitive in the Canadian market. According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Indonesia’s share in Canada’s seafood market in 2024 was relatively small—around 2.3%—with key exports including shrimp, tilapia, seaweed, tuna, and crab. Meanwhile, Canada imported approximately USD 3.6 billion of marine products last year, indicating a large market that Indonesia can further tap into.
Indonesia has seen average export growth of about 15.82% per year (2020–2024) to Canada for fishery products, with 2024’s exports reaching USD 78.25 million from nearly 11,000 tons. In 2024, Indonesia also recorded a trade surplus in marine products with Canada, importing only USD 20.04 million in fishery products. However, to fully leverage this opportunity, Indonesia must address quality, traceability, and sustainability standards, such as HACCP, MSC, and ASC certifications, to ensure that Indonesian seafood is accepted in the Canadian market. ICA-CEPA provides a significant opening for Indonesia’s marine sector to grow in Canada, but success will depend on Indonesia’s ability to meet international standards and scale up supply chains effectively.
