Indonesia is calling for an end to the high tariffs imposed on its tuna exports by the European Union, citing the disparity compared to the tariffs paid by tuna exporters in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
The Europe-Indonesia Business Dialogue (EIBD) has agreed to form a team specifically to look into the matter.
“The team will comprise of business and government representatives from both Europe and Indonesia and will improve communication between the two parties,” said Soen’An H. Poermomo, head of Indonesia’s Statistics and Information Department.
The duties on Indonesian tuna exports are current set at 14.5 percent for fresh product and 24 percent for canned product.
However, some countries in the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) group enjoy no duties. Poermomo suggested the historical links between some ACP countries and those in the EU may be a factor in the tariffs.
“We are looking for the same treatment for our tuna,” said Poermomo.
Indonesia exported 12,879 metric tons of tuna valued at USD 35 million (EUR 23.3 million) to the EU in 2008, representing 10 percent of total Indonesian tuna exports.
