U.S. request for WTO consultations on Indonesia’s restrictions on horticultural and animal products 

January 10: The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) today announced that U.S. officials have requested WTO consultations with Indonesia concerning alleged trade-restrictive measures on horticultural products, animals, and animal products.

According to the USTR release, Indonesia’s import licensing requirements have the effect of unfairly restricting U.S. exports and appear to be inconsistent with its WTO obligations.


In late 2011, Indonesia established strict non-automatic import licensing requirements for horticultural products. Revisions in 2012 included new requirements for horticultural imports. The affected products include fruits, vegetables, flowers, dried fruits and vegetables and juices.


Indonesia also has maintained a similar non-automatic import licensing and quota regime for beef and other animal product imports, and recently announced reductions in quotas for beef and other animal product imports, further restricting access to the Indonesian market.


Consultations are the first step in the WTO dispute settlement process. Under WTO rules, if the matter is not resolved through consultations within 60 days, the United States may request the establishment of a WTO dispute settlement panel.



For more information, contact a professional with KPMG’s Trade & Customs practice:


Douglas Zuvich

(312) 665-1022


Andrew Siciliano

(631) 425-6057


John L. McLoughlin

(267) 256-2614


Todd R. Smith

(949) 885-5617


Luis A. Abad

(212) 954-3094


Amie Ahanchian

(202) 533-3247


Or your local KPMG Trade & Customs professional.




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