Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso and Malaysian Minister Johari Abdul Ghani reaffirmed commitment to strengthen trade and investment cooperation, focusing on optimizing the 2023 Border Trade Agreement (BTA) which entered into force on 29 May 2026. The meeting resulted in concrete commitments to maximize BTA implementation between the two countries.
Topic Archives:Market Access
Indonesia Tightens Halal Certification Controls on Imported Products
Indonesia is strengthening controls on halal certification requirements for imported products. This measure introduces stricter regulatory oversight affecting market access for foreign exporters seeking to sell into Indonesia. The policy constitutes a non-tariff measure with significant implications for trade flows into the Indonesian market.
EU requires documentation proving ‘country of melting and casting’ for steel imports
The EU has introduced a requirement for steel importers to provide documentation proving the country of melting and casting origin. This is a non-tariff measure affecting steel market access into the EU. The regulation impacts Vietnamese and other steel exporters seeking to comply with EU customs and rules-of-origin requirements.
Commission Sets Evidence Requirements for Steel ‘Melt and Pour’ Country of Origin Under EU Steel Regulation
The European Commission adopted an implementing act specifying what evidence importers must provide to prove the country of ‘melt and pour’ for steel products subject to the EU Steel Regulation. This measure directly governs origin determination for steel imports into the EU, affecting customs and market access procedures.
EU Increases Controls and Warnings on Some Food Products Containing Banned Substances
The EU has increased inspection controls and issued warnings on certain food products, including some originating from Vietnam, found to contain banned substances. This relates to SPS/food safety non-tariff measures affecting Vietnamese export market access to the EU.
5 Days Left for Brazil’s MDIC Public Consultation on Sustainable Products in Mercosur-EU Agreement
Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, and Trade (MDIC) is holding a public consultation open until September 2, inviting businesses, academia, and civil society to identify products and supply chains that could receive additional trade benefits in the European market under the Mercosur-EU agreement. The consultation relates to a sustainability-linked annex or list within the Mercosur-EU […]
Opinion of 9 Ministries on Promoting High-Quality Development of Aviation Bonded Maintenance
Nine Chinese ministries jointly issued guidance to promote high-quality development of aviation bonded maintenance (MRO) industries. The policy addresses customs bonded zone procedures, import/export management of aircraft parts, and related regulatory frameworks. This involves specific customs and market access measures for the aviation services sector.
Hong Kong-Peru FTA enters into force September 1
The Hong Kong-Peru Free Trade Agreement will enter into force on September 1, 2026, as announced by the Trade & Industry Department. The agreement provides preferential terms for Hong Kong traders and investors in Peru and is seen as a gateway to broader Latin American markets.
Lifting of Import Suspension on Live Poultry and Poultry Meat from the United Kingdom
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the lifting of its temporary import suspension on live poultry and poultry meat products from the United Kingdom. The measure had been imposed due to avian influenza concerns. This removal restores market access for UK poultry products to Japan.
IEU-CEPA to be signed October 2026, granting 0% tariffs on CPO, textiles, and other exports
Indonesia’s Trade Minister Budi Santoso confirmed the Indonesia-EU CEPA will be signed in October 2026, providing 0% tariffs on key Indonesian exports including crude palm oil (CPO) and textiles to the European Union. The agreement is expected to expand market access and attract investment. This represents a significant milestone in Indonesia-EU trade relations.