Tag International Trade

The new Indonesia-US Trade Deal is going to be a massive trap for workers and business owners who will pay the price

As someone who is managing a sizable portfolio closely monitoring Southeast Asian emerging markets, I've been reviewing the structural implications of the recently signed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Indonesia and the United States. While political back-patting is in full swing, a cold, hard look at the macroeconomic realities reveals a highly lopsided arrangement.

Landmark US-Indonesia trade and investment deals worth US $38.4 billion signed

Prabowo and Trump Sign Trade Deal (AI Gen)

On February 18–19, 2026, Indonesia and the U.S. established a landmark bilateral economic relationship with trade agreements valued at $38.4 billion. These commitments, covering various sectors, signal a shift towards deeper economic integration. However, successful implementation hinges on disciplined governance and structural reforms to enhance productivity and living standards for Indonesians.

Indonesia’s New Export Taxes on Coal and Gold: Strategic Revenue Shift and Impact Analysis

Gold Export (Gen AI)

Indonesia plans to introduce export taxes on coal (1%–5%) and gold (7.5%–15%) starting in 2026 to enhance fiscal revenues and promote domestic processing. The coal tax responds to price fluctuations, while the gold tax aims to incentivize refined production. The policy supports industrial development and aims to stabilize resource governance amidst global challenges.