- Currently, Indonesia’s top seafood exports to the U.S. include processed crustaceans and mollusks, as well as frozen shrimp.
- These two product groups alone contributed US$1.43 billion out of the US$1.92 billion total seafood export value to the U.S. in 2024.
PELAKITA.ID – The United States’ decision to impose a 32% tariff on Indonesian seafood exports is placing immense pressure on the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
The new tariff, set to take effect on August 1, 2025, is expected to hit hardest those engaged in shrimp farming and the export of high-value marine products.
“This 32% tariff, targeting one of our largest export destinations, will severely impact the volume and capacity of Indonesia’s seafood exports to the U.S., our fifth-largest export market,” said Riyono Caping, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission IV from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).
Currently, Indonesia’s top seafood exports to the U.S. include processed crustaceans and mollusks, as well as frozen shrimp.
These two product groups alone contributed US$1.43 billion out of the US$1.92 billion total seafood export value to the U.S. in 2024.
Riyono criticized the failure of trade negotiations with the U.S., particularly under the Trump administration, calling it a wake-up call for Indonesia’s international trade diplomacy.
“Why is it that the U.S.—which has long supported Indonesia’s marine and fisheries policies—has now taken such a hostile stance?” he questioned.
Even before the tariff officially takes effect, the impact is already being felt in local shrimp prices and purchasing volume from exporters. Export-quality products such as fresh shrimp and live fish are among the most expensive and sought-after commodities.
“As an advisor to more than 100 active vannamei shrimp farmers along the northern coast of Java, managing over IDR 10 billion in monthly volume, I can personally attest to the severity of this policy,” said Riyono.
Prices at the farm level have dropped significantly over the past month. Vannamei shrimp of size 100 are now priced at IDR 45,000/kg, size 80 at IDR 49,000/kg, and size 30 at IDR 78,000/kg.
“Size 30 shrimp usually go for around IDR 83,000, so this drop of around IDR 3,000 per kilogram is a big hit, especially for small-scale farmers. If this continues for the next three months, many could go bankrupt and cease operations entirely,” he warned.
Riyono urged the Indonesian government to take proactive measures to shield small and medium-scale shrimp farmers and fishers from the damaging effects of the tariff. These measures include financial incentives, infrastructure support, and market diversification strategies.
“With the U.S. market becoming increasingly difficult, we must pivot toward Europe and China—markets that are more competitive and receptive to Indonesian seafood products. High-level diplomatic efforts are urgently needed to protect our coastal communities,” Riyono concluded.
