Jokowi Restricts Imports, The US and New Zealand Protests to WTO

by : Delinda Listawaty Bethriani (1801453700)

   The US and New Zealand protested to WTO about the import restriction made by Indonesian government towards food and farming products. Both countries claimed the import restriction broke the international trade obligations.

   Tim Groser, New Zealand trade minister, stated that access to agricultural market is highly important to New Zealand. The agricultural commodities export from The Kiwi country reaches US$ 23,84 billion in total. This is equivalent to 15% The US' agricultural commodities export value, even though New Zealand is only 1% of The US economy value.

   The export restriction implemented by Indonesia : apple, grape, potato, onion, flower, juice, dried fruit, chicken, and beef.

   As Reuter's report, The US' export to Indonesia decreased since the import restriction in 2011. In 2014, the application of import license such as the limitation when the product can be imported, price, and the quantity affected the US' export to Indonesia US$200  millions, including US$ 122 millions fruit and vegetables, and horticultural  products. Such export product is equivalent to US$ 6 millions higher to Malaysia.

Reference : S, Deddy, " Rezim Jokowi Batasi Impor, AS dan Selandia Baru Protes ke WTO ", 2015 : CNNindonesia.com