RRI.CO.ID, Riyadh – The Indonesian Ministry of Trade urges Indonesian products to remain competitive following changes to import tariffs imposed by the Saudi Arabian government on imported commodities from all countries. Although this policy affects a number of commodities imported by Saudi Arabia from around the world, opportunities for Indonesia to expand its market in Saudi Arabia remain open.

As quoted by the ministry’s written press release on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the Indonesian Trade Attaché in Riyadh, Zulvri Yenni, is optimistic that Indonesian businesses can take advantage of various opportunities to continue penetrating the Saudi Arabian market amid the changes in import duties. He also encouraged Indonesian exporters to step up their exports to Saudi Arabia.

“We need to view the tariff changes by the Saudi Arabian government as an effort to open up new opportunities. Indonesia still has the opportunity to expand exports of value-added food and fishery products, particularly those not yet adequately produced by Saudi Arabia’s domestic industry, such as shrimp crackers,” he said.

According to him, this policy was issued to protect and promote the development of Saudi Arabia’s local agricultural products. The policy remains in line with Saudi Arabia’s commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Nevertheless, he emphasized the new opportunities that will arise from Saudi Arabia’s latest policy. According to him, the strengthening of Saudi Arabia’s agriculture and aquaculture sectors also has the potential to increase demand for cultivation technology, cold chain systems, feed, seeds, and various supporting services that Indonesia offers.

“The various needs that will accompany this policy can serve as opportunities for cooperation between Indonesian and Saudi Arabian businesses,” Zulvri said.

The Saudi Arabian government has established changes to import duty rates on a number of agricultural, livestock, fisheries, and food products. This decision was announced via Ministry of Finance Decree No. 1447-88-10 dated June 15, 2026, effective June 26, 2026. The tariff adjustments cover 51 commodities, including live livestock, meat, fish, shrimp, dairy products, eggs, fruits, flowers, and processed agricultural products.

From January through May 2026, total trade between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia stood at USD 2.19 billion, with Indonesian exports to Saudi Arabia amounting to USD 843 million. In 2025, total trade between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia reached USD 6.53 billion, with Indonesian exports to Saudi Arabia totaling USD 2.88 billion. The main export commodities shipped to Saudi Arabia include vehicles and vehicle parts, animal and vegetable fats and oils, seagoing vessels, various processed foods, as well as wood and wood products.