Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 19% tariff on imports from Indonesia, claiming that the United States now enjoys free export access to the Southeast Asian nation under a newly negotiated deal. The announcement came during a campaign rally where Trump addressed America’s trade relationships and his ongoing efforts to secure what he calls “fair and balanced trade” with global partners.
Trump emphasized that this tariff move was part of a broader strategy to protect American industries and jobs. He stated that while Indonesian goods entering the U.S. will face the new 19% duty, American companies would now be able to export freely to Indonesia without similar barriers. This reciprocal access, he argued, levels the playing field and promotes stronger U.S. manufacturing and exports.
The announcement also coincided with reports of a potential agreement involving Indonesia purchasing billions of dollars’ worth of Boeing aircraft—further strengthening bilateral trade ties. Trump highlighted this as an example of how his economic policies are driving American growth and creating jobs, especially in sectors like aviation and heavy manufacturing.
The move is likely to have ripple effects across global markets and could attract scrutiny from international trade bodies. However, Trump has remained firm in his approach to renegotiating trade agreements, maintaining that American workers must come first in every deal.
