Indonesia Eyes Cocoa Export Boost After EU Policy Delay, US Tariff Cut

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s prospects for processed cocoa exports are expected to improve following the European Union’s postponement of the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the implementation of the United States Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), which provides a zero percent tariff on cocoa and chocolate products.

Acting Director General of Agro Industry at the Ministry of Industry, Putu Juli Ardika, said that global policy developments are opening up wider opportunities for market expansion. “This opens good prospects for our market, so all parties must collaborate to achieve maximum performance,” he said during a discussion in Jakarta on Friday, February 27, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He noted that the results of trade negotiations with the United States were positive and strengthened the position of Indonesian cocoa products. “We hope that our market share in the US will reach around 11 percent,” he said.

The United States has long been one of the main destinations for Indonesia’s cocoa exports. Around 35 percent of total national processed cocoa exports are absorbed by foreign markets, with the US accounting for a significant share.

National cocoa processing has shown positive growth. In 2024, grinding volume reached 422,176 tons, an increase of 4.43 percent, contributing USD 3.42 billion in foreign exchange. However, capacity utilization remains at 50–60 percent due to limited raw material supply.

To address this challenge, the ministry is encouraging the strengthening of the upstream-downstream ecosystem. Efforts include integrating cocoa commodities into the Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP), revitalizing plantations, and enhancing research and innovation.

The number of cocoa artisans has also grown, from 31 companies at the end of 2023 to more than 50 business units, contributing to grading and the development of premium cocoa.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Indonesian Cocoa Association (ASKINDO), Jeffrey Haribowo, announced that Indonesia will host the 9th Indonesia International Cocoa Conference (IICC) on July 22–24, 2026, in Yogyakarta.

The forum, themed “The Rise of Indonesian Cocoa: The Pearl of Asia for the World,” is expected to serve as a strategic platform for industry players, stakeholders, and international partners to strengthen collaboration and support the transformation of the national cocoa industry. ***