Ministry of Trade Bolsters Swiftlet Nest Market Access to China

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta — The Ministry of Trade held the China-Indonesia Bird’s Nest Trade Summit in Jakarta to expand market access for Indonesia’s edible bird’s nest exports to China. The forum, attended by 20 domestic business players and an association of bird’s nest buyers from China, also discussed findings by Chinese authorities regarding aluminium levels above the permitted threshold in Indonesian edible bird’s nest products, which resulted in the suspension of 18 companies.

Director General for National Export Development at the Ministry of Trade, Fajarini Puntodewi, said the forum was part of efforts to maintain the sustainability of Indonesia’s market access in China.

“In addition to reinforcing our shared commitment to safeguarding the market access of edible bird’s nest products in China, we also discussed the findings of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) regarding aluminium levels above the permitted threshold in Indonesian edible bird’s nest products, which have affected 18 companies through suspension,” Puntodewi said, quoted from official statement on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

China remains the main destination for Indonesia’s edible bird’s nest exports, accounting for an 80.15 percent share. In 2025, exports to the country were recorded at USD380.20 million.

The government is also encouraging other companies with the capacity and qualifications to take advantage of the export gap created by the temporary suspension of several exporters.

Director of Primary Product Export Development at the Ministry of Trade, Miftah Farid, stressed that the opportunity should be utilized to ensure Indonesia’s market share remains secure.

“The government encourages other companies that have the capacity and meet the qualifications to immediately work together and fill the quota. This is an important instrument to ensure that our market share in China remains maintained. We must not let this golden opportunity go to waste,” Miftah said.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to continue overseeing the verification process, strengthening product quality, and maintaining the reputation of Indonesian edible bird’s nest products in the international market.