Indonesia Expands Fisheries Exports to the US with SelectUSA Program

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has launched a new initiative to enhance the market reach of high-quality Indonesian fish products in the United States. The program, known as “Shaping Indonesia Fisheries Investment Through SelectUSA,” aims to strengthen fisheries exports and improve Indonesia’s position in the global market.
During the program’s launch on Thursday in Jakarta, Ishartini, Head of the Ministry’s Marine and Fisheries Product Quality Supervision and Control Agency, emphasized the importance of the partnership with the US embassy. She explained that the SelectUSA program provides Indonesian fisheries businesses with an opportunity to directly engage with US state authorities, facilitating the establishment of business networks and access to valuable information on market demand, regulations, tax incentives, and licensing requirements.
“This collaboration with the US Department of Commerce is a first, and it follows our successful relationship with the US FDA, where we signed a Confidentiality Commitment in 2022,” said Ishartini. She noted that Indonesia is internationally recognized for maintaining high fisheries product quality standards, which has helped Indonesian products gain access to the US market.
Currently, 243 Indonesian fish processing units are registered with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), enabling them to export directly to the United States.
Ishartini highlighted the growing demand for seafood in the US, with consumers averaging 19.8 pounds (8.98 kg) of seafood per capita annually in 2024. Shrimp consumption alone is projected to reach 1.27 billion pounds (over 500 million kg) per year, making the US a critical market for Indonesian fisheries.
Budi Sulistiyo, Director General of Marine and Fisheries Competitiveness Strengthening, shared data from Statistics Indonesia, revealing that the US remains Indonesia’s top destination for fisheries exports, totaling $1.72 billion as of November 2024. The top three commodities exported to the US include shrimp, crab, and tuna, with shrimp accounting for the largest share of the market.
Sulistiyo expressed optimism that the SelectUSA program would create new opportunities for Indonesian businesses to expand market access and foster collaboration in technology, innovation, and the management of the fisheries supply chain. “We are committed to building an inclusive and sustainable investment ecosystem in the fisheries sector,” he said.
The SelectUSA program is expected to further solidify Indonesia’s role as a key player in global fisheries trade and enhance its economic partnership with the United States.