Indonesia Begins Push for US Market Access for Copper Cathodes

Jakarta - Indonesia is fighting for market access for copper cathode exports produced by Freeport-McMoRan in the country to be exempted from Section 232 tariffs. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto conveyed this during a meeting with USTR head Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the sidelines of the 2026 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris. In an official statement from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Airlangga explained that the negotiation effort regarding market access for copper cathode exports requires in-depth discussion to align domestic production incentive policies for both nations. “Indonesia is also fighting for market access for copper cathode exports produced by Freeport-McMoRan in Indonesia to be exempted from Section 232 tariffs, a negotiation effort that requires in-depth discussion to align domestic production incentive policies for both countries,” Airlangga stated. Responding to these strategic points, Airlangga will act swiftly by coordinating with relevant sectoral ministries and agencies to expedite procedural certainty on the ground. During the meeting, the USTR also highlighted several unsolved issues of mutual concern. The US expressed concerns regarding the restructuring of import trade governance through the import licensing system in Indonesia, which impacts the flow of US agricultural products such as apples, grapes, beef, pork, corn, and soybean meal. “The US expects synchronisation steps so that these domestic policies do not hinder Indonesia’s accession process towards OECD membership,” Airlangga said. Both countries agreed to strengthen close bilateral collaboration and formulate a coordinated action plan to resolve technical trade barriers, accelerate communication on the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies while considering national interests, and ensure a smooth tariff policy transition for shared economic prosperity. Additionally, the USTR also affirmed the implementation of an additional 10 percent tariff on Indonesian imports linked to forced labour issues and a ban on importing products indicated to involve forced labour. Nevertheless, the US granted 18 product exclusion requests submitted by Indonesia under the Section 301 investigation. Airlangga confirmed that this strategic step would provide a significant economic stimulus for the national industrial sector, reduce export cost burdens, and enhance the competitiveness of Indonesia’s leading commodities in the US domestic market.