Trade Minister: Single-door export scheme not automatically applicable to all commodities

The Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, stated that the single-door export scheme for natural resources (SDA) through State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) will not automatically apply to all strategic commodities, thereby maintaining opportunities for private enterprises.

Budi noted that the implementation of the single-door export mechanism must be based on in-depth studies, considering the specific characteristics and interests of each commodity.

“The designation of strategic natural resource commodities is being carried out in stages, with the initial phase covering coal, palm oil, and ferroalloy or iron alloys,” Budi said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to Budi, the application of single-door exports needs to consider several aspects, including domestic needs, economic stability, contribution to foreign exchange, the strategic value of the commodity, downstreaming, market structure, and control over the supply chain. Consequently, the scheme cannot be automatically applied to all commodities that are later categorised as strategic.

Budi emphasised that private businesses can still export commodities that fall outside the single-door export scheme. However, such export activities must still meet all applicable licensing requirements, standards, and export regulations.

He added that the involvement of SOEs in the single-door export scheme is not intended to close off opportunities for the private sector in the trade of strategic commodities.

“The single-door export policy also has a legal basis in Government Regulation Number 24 of 2026 concerning the Export Governance of Strategic Natural Resource Commodities,” he explained.

Budi stated that the government is currently providing input for the preparation of the Draft Law on Strategic Commodities to ensure that the regulations are proportional and flexible. He believes these regulations must be able to protect national interests, ensure domestic supply availability and stability, and simultaneously provide space for efficient and competitive trade.

Budi also proposed that the authority to determine trade regulations for strategic commodities should remain under the Minister of Trade. In this context, trade regulation includes determining whether a commodity is free, regulated, or supervised. The determination of the commodity list will continue to be coordinated with relevant ministries and agencies.