Indonesia Eyes Opportunities Amid U.S.-China Trade War, Says Kadin Chairman

JAKARTA, investortrust.id – Indonesia stands to benefit from the ongoing trade war between the United States and China, according to Anindya Bakrie,the chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He noted that the situation presents a strategic opening for Indonesia to expand its market presence in the U.S.

“The U.S. needs critical minerals from us, which could serve as an entry point. While we don’t yet have a free trade agreement (FTA) or even a limited one, former President Trump has expressed appreciation for bilateral trade,” Anindya said during his keynote speech at the Mayapada Group Executive Gathering 2025, held at Mayapada Tower 2 in Jakarta on Tuesday, Feb 4, 2025.

Anindya emphasized that Indonesia could seize these opportunities amid China’s slowing economic growth, a long-standing key market for Indonesia. The slowdown has been exacerbated by the trade war, particularly after the U.S. imposed higher tariffs on Chinese imports under Trump’s administration.

“During the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, it was mentioned that they are looking for new growth stories,” Anindya stated, referring to Indonesia and India as the emerging high-growth economies in Asia.

According to World Bank projections, China’s economy is expected to grow by 4.5% in 2025, while the U.S. economy is forecast to expand by 2.3% by the end of 2024—both below the global average of around 3%. In contrast, Indonesia and India are maintaining stable economic growth of approximately 5%.

“The WEF sees this as a potential pillar for global economic growth. However, our goal is not just to grow but to ensure inclusive growth,” Anindya stressed.

He underscored the need for cautious economic expansion to prevent widening social inequality, particularly in a democratic nation like Indonesia.

Reflecting on Indonesia’s past crises—the 1998 Asian financial crisis, the 2008 global financial meltdown, and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic—Anindya highlighted the resilience the country has built over the years.

“The world expects Indonesia to advance. This is an opportunity we should leverage. Who knows, in the next 18 months, we might even achieve investment-grade status,” he concluded.