Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – Indonesian wood product manufacturers are anticipating the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy to raise import tariffs by up to 25%.
This policy will have a significant impact, considering that the United States is one of Indonesia’s key markets for wood products.
“Regarding the import tax in the United States, Indonesia is likely among the countries that will be subject to a 25% tariff increase,” said Bambang Soepijanto, Chairman of the Indonesian Wood Panel Association (Apkindo).
Bambang has already urged plywood manufacturers under Apkindo to prepare for the policy.
Moreover, in addition to the 25% tariff, the Trump administration may also impose a countervailing duty and an anti-dumping tariff of 14.5%. “This policy is reportedly set to take effect in April 2025,” he added.
A similar concern was expressed by the Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft Industry Association (HIMKI).
HIMKI Chairman Abdul Sobur stated that Trump’s policy could hinder the competitiveness of Indonesia’s furniture and handicraft industry in the U.S. market, which has long been one of Indonesia’s primary export destinations.
He urged the Indonesian government to take strategic measures to protect this industry, which employs millions of workers.
“We urge the Indonesian government to apply significant diplomatic pressure on the U.S. so that national furniture and handicraft products can gain tariff-free access to their market. If possible, we should even strive for these products to enter duty-free as a form of recognition for fair trade cooperation,” Sobur said in Jakarta on Tuesday (March 25, 2025).
As part of its industry protection strategy, HIMKI is currently exploring collaborations with various international organizations, including NGOs in the U.S. and the EU, to strengthen its campaign against tariff policies that harm Indonesia’s industry.
“HIMKI calls on all stakeholders, including the government, industry players, and the media, to unite in safeguarding the competitiveness of Indonesia’s furniture and handicraft industry in the global market,” Sobur emphasized.
As is known, an executive order signed by President Trump on March 1, 2025, instructed the U.S. Department of Commerce to initiate the investigation.
This policy utilizes Section 232, which was previously enforced to impose tariffs on imports of steel, aluminum, and their derivatives.
The order defines wood as both unprocessed materials and processed wood that has been milled and cut. It includes an investigation into imports of wood, lumber, and their derivatives, including furniture, paper, and cabinets, with the potential imposition of additional tariffs of up to 25%. ***
