Indonesia to impose ‘safeguard' import taxes on clothing and ceramics

It will also affect imports including footwear, textiles, and cosmetics.

Indonesia will implement safeguard duties ranging from 100% to 200% on a variety of imports, including footwear and clothing, as part of efforts to bolster its domestic manufacturing sector, the government announced.

“If we are flooded with (imported goods), our micro, small and medium enterprises could collapse,” said Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan.

Last year, Indonesia tightened monitoring on over 3,000 imported items, but faced backlash from domestic industry groups for obstructing access to essential materials. 

The upcoming duties will target imports including footwear, clothing, textiles, cosmetics, and ceramics, pending assessment by the Indonesian Trade Safeguards Committee.

Data from Indonesia's Bureau of Statistics showed that the country's primary sources of imported apparel and clothing accessories include China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.