US Challenges Indonesia's Restrictions on Agricultural Imports

The U.S. is requesting consultations with Indonesia under the dispute settlement provisions of the World Trade Organization regarding trade-restrictive measures applied to horticultural products, animals and animal products, according to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk.

Indonesia has created a complex import licensing system that unfairly restricts U.S. exports in an apparent effort to protect Indonesia’s domestic agriculture industry, Kirk said in a written statement. The licensing requirements appear to be inconsistent with several WTO obligations, the U.S. alleges.

“It has become a serious impediment to U.S. agricultural exports entering Indonesia, reducing Indonesian consumers’ access to high-quality U.S. products,” Kirk said.