Indonesia just eliminated tariffs on 95% of Canadian Exports

Indonesia just eliminated tariffs on 95% of Canadian exports. Are you ready?

While Mark Carney navigates climate finance in London, a different kind of climate change is happening for Canadian businesses: access to 270 million new customers.

After 36 years helping businesses enter new markets, I've watched countless companies miss golden opportunities because they were too focused on the US, China, or the EU. Indonesia's massive market has been sitting there, waiting for us to engage meaningfully.

The Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) changes everything.

Not just another trade deal, this is a CA$2.15 trillion market growing at 5.1% annually that's now within your reach. Think beyond traditional exports — this is about being first to establish your foothold in Southeast Asia's largest economy.

Why this CEPA matters to your business:

• Immediate tariff elimination on key Canadian exports, including agriculture, seafood, wood products, and machinery
• Enhanced regulatory transparency for smoother market entry and compliance
• Improved investment protections and dispute resolution mechanisms
• Temporary entry provisions for business visitors and professionals
• Direct access to Indonesia's growing middle class hungry for quality imports

Smart moves for Canadian businesses now:

• Assess your product-market fit for Indonesian consumers and business needs
• Identify local partners or distribution channels before your competitors
• Review your pricing strategy with new tariff advantages in mind
• Understand sector-specific opportunities in clean energy, infrastructure, and agri-food
• Build relationships with Indonesian importers at upcoming trade events

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Treating Indonesia like other Asian markets (it has unique business customs)
• Overlooking halal certification requirements where applicable
• Missing first-mover advantage while competitors hesitate
• Failing to leverage government export support programs
• Assuming English is widely spoken (invest in proper translation)

Beyond Indonesia, Canada continues pursuing other strategic trade agreements. Negotiations with Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) could resume soon, the Ecuador FTA was just finalized, and the Ukraine FTA was recently modernized.

Each agreement opens doors, but only for businesses prepared to walk through them.

Connect with me to explore further how your business can capitalize on these emerging opportunities while navigating the complexities of international trade in today's shifting landscape.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertarthurs/

Robert Arthurs is the founder of Robert Arthurs International, a global business mechanic with 23 years of experience fixing businesses and fueling international trade strategies for entrepreneurs across Canada and beyond.

Tags: #Indonesia Trade, #Canadian Exports, #CEPA, #Global Trade #Robert Arthurs International #Market Expansion #Export Strategy #Tariff Elimination #International Business