Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met Peruvian President Dina Boluarte in Jakarta on Monday to advance economic ties, with both nations seeking new markets amid rising trade barriers and geopolitical tensions.
The meeting came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed higher import tariffs on dozens of countries, including a 19% rate on Indonesian goods and a 10% baseline rate on imports from Peru.
Boluarte’s two-day visit follows an invitation from Prabowo during their meeting at the APEC Summit in Peru in November 2024. The leaders are expected to witness the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), concluded in May after months of negotiations.
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Trade Minister Budi Santoso said the deal could serve as a gateway for Indonesian goods and services into Central and South American markets, strengthening the country’s regional presence. Indonesia’s trade with Peru fell from $554.2 million in 2022 to $444.4 million in 2023, though Indonesia maintained a $290.4 million surplus, driven by exports such as vehicles, footwear and biodiesel.
Indonesia is also pursuing membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, of which Peru is already a member, to further expand export opportunities.
Source: Agency