Heaptalk, Jakarta — Trade Minister Budi Santoso announced that the government is preparing a policy to impose an export levy on whole coconut shipments. The high volume of exports of this key ingredient for coconut milk has led to domestic shortages, driving up local market prices.
“There have been many complaints about coconuts being exported, causing domestic supply shortages. So, we’ve discussed with industry players and will implement an export levy instrument,” Budi said in a written statement on Sunday (05/18).
According to Budi, this levy will automatically reduce coconut exports, boosting domestic supply and stabilizing market prices. Other ministries and agencies have already agreed upon the plan to impose the export tax. The regulation will likely be issued soon through a Minister of Finance Regulation.
Budi added that the levy on whole coconut shipments aims to balance domestic needs and export demand for whole coconuts. The exact effective date of the new regulation remains unclear. “Hopefully, it will be implemented soon. The Finance Ministry will issue the regulation, but all parties have agreed in principle—it’s only a matter of finalizing the decision together,” he concluded.
