Indonesia-EU Trade Deal Finalized After 9-Year Talks

3 DAYS AGO·UPDATED 3 DAYS AGO

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Above: Indonesian Minister of Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto (L) and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic (R). Image copyright: Sonny Tumbelaka/Getty Images

The Spin

Anti-Trump narrative

This deal ushers in a new era of mutually beneficial trade between two major economies. By eliminating tariffs on 98% of EU exports and 90% of Indonesian goods, including palm oil and critical raw materials like nickel, the deal counters Trump's protectionist tariffs. It fosters job creation, economic resilience and strategic alignment, ensuring diversified supply chains and sustainable growth.

Eunews EuroNews

Pro-Trump narrative

The EU is far from independent, and this deal means very little compared to the success Trump has had with Europe and the rest of the world. While the EU pretends to pursue its own trade agenda with countries like Indonesia, in reality, it still depends on U.S. approval, as shown by its recent agreement to stop buying Russian oil by 2027. The U.S., meanwhile, is collecting record tariff revenue and slashing its deficit.

Breitbart Newsmax

Narrative C

Amid Trump's tariffs and a shifting global order, Indonesia has rightfully diversified its trade across the board. With 71.2% of exports going to trade partners, Indonesia counters U.S. protectionism by leveraging China's manufacturing and EU market access. Negotiations with Peru and Africa also bolster economic resilience, reducing reliance on volatile U.S. markets and fostering multipolar trade stability.

Jakarta Globe The Jakarta Post