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Indonesia needs stronger trade protections as China steel glut looms, says industry chief

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Elisa Valenta

Elisa Valenta

Published Mon, Mar 24, 2025 · 05:00 AM
    • Indonesia's heavy reliance on steel imports, especially steel products from China, leaves it especially exposed to the trade diversion risks.
    • Indonesia's heavy reliance on steel imports, especially steel products from China, leaves it especially exposed to the trade diversion risks. PHOTO: AFP

    [JAKARTA] Indonesia could be flooded with cheaper Chinese automotive steel plates as a result of US tariff hikes, warned Akbar Djohan, chairman of the Indonesian Iron and Steel Industry Association.

    He cautioned that diverted Chinese hot-rolled coil, a key material for car manufacturing, could overwhelm local producers amid Indonesia’s growing automotive sector and weak trade protections.

    “Asean countries are the primary target for this export diversion expansion, given their strong economic growth and government policies that support infrastructure development,” he told The Business Times.

    IndonesiaSteelAsean BusinessAseanTariffs

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