Asmindo Strengthens Partnership with US Hardwood Exporters
The Indonesian Furniture and Craft Industry Association (Asmindo) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening sustainable trade partnerships with US hardwood exporters under the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC). This move follows the signing of the Agreement on Reciprocal Tariffs (ART) between the Indonesian and US governments on 18 February 2026.
This commitment remains in place despite the US Supreme Court subsequently overturning the reciprocal tariff policy. Asmindo believes that this cooperation holds strategic long-term value for strengthening the global supply chain for the furniture and craft industries in both countries.
Asmindo’s Chairman, Dedy Rochimat, expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian government for successfully completing the ART agreement. He stated that the agreement is an important step in opening up more competitive trade access for national furniture products in the US market.
Dedy emphasised that the partnership with AHEC members is focused on improving competitiveness without displacing the role of domestic wood. “The use of American hardwood is positioned as an alternative high-quality raw material that can enrich material variations, improve product quality, and meet the preferences of high-value international design markets,” he explained.
This collaboration is based on the principles of sustainability and legal compliance. Asmindo stresses that the imports are raw materials, while the added value of manufacturing, design, and exports is carried out entirely in Indonesia. This is expected to strengthen SMEs and the national industry in facing global competition.
Both parties are currently exploring the use of American hardwood in various product categories, including:
In addition to material aspects, this cooperation also includes the exchange of information on species, hardwood quality standards, technical dialogues on processing, and facilitation of business networks between US exporters and Asmindo’s member furniture manufacturers.
The initial phase of the partnership implementation focuses on market exploration and improving technical understanding of the materials. Asmindo views this as part of a strategy to strengthen Indonesia’s position on the international stage.
“Indonesia does not only want to be a production base, but also a high value-added manufacturing centre based on sustainability and global partnerships,” concluded Dedy Rochimat.