[pageLogInLogOut]

#Europe

EU and Indonesia conclude negotiations on free trade agreement

Following the political agreement reached on 13 July by President von der Leyen and President Prabowo Subianto, today the EU and Indonesia finalised negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA). On the EU side, negotiations were led by Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šef?ovi?. Currently in Indonesia, he is marking this historic milestone and engaging with both European and Indonesian businesses to support the upcoming ratification and next steps.



These comprehensive, forward-looking, and mutually beneficial agreements are a key milestone in delivering on the EU's strategy of diversification and partnerships, strengthening trade and investment ties with a major economy, and creating new export opportunities and more secure supply chains for energy and raw materials.

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “We have made a commitment to double down on diversification and partnerships, to further support EU jobs and boost growth. Our deal with Indonesia creates new opportunities for businesses and farmers in a major and growing economy. This also provides us with a stable and predictable supply of critical raw materials, essential for Europe's clean tech and steel industry.”

The CEPA will significantly benefit European farmers, bringing down tariffs on agri-food products and protecting traditional EU products, as well as key industrial sectors, such as the automotive, chemicals, and machinery sectors. In all, EU exporters will save some €600 million a year in duties paid on their goods entering the Indonesian market, and European products will be more affordable and available to Indonesian consumers.

The CEPA is also a major milestone for the EU and Indonesia to foster sustainable growth and the green transition. Furthermore, it is testimony to the EU and Indonesia's attachment to openness and to a rules-based system, creating a free trade zone of over 700 million consumers based on transparency and predictability.

Privileged access for European businesses big and small

The agreement will give EU companies privileged access to the Indonesian market by:

Removing import duties on 98.5% of tariff lines and simplifying procedures on EU goods exports to Indonesia, including key exports such as cars and agri-food products.

Allowing EU companies to provide services with full ownership in key sectors such as computers and telecommunications.

Opening up new opportunities for EU investments into Indonesia, notably in strategic sectors such as electric vehicles, electronics, and pharmaceuticals, thereby fostering the integration of both side's supply and value chains.

Protecting intellectual property such as trademarks, which allows EU companies to safeguard their brand identity and reputation, ensures remedies against infringers and provides effective tools to combat counterfeit products, helping small businesses with dedicated provisions and benefitting Indonesian consumers.

A major win for European farmers: boosting EU exports and protecting EU sensitivities

The deal will give EU farmers much better opportunities to sell their produce in Indonesia thanks to the elimination of tariffs on major EU exports such as dairy products, meats, fruit and vegetables and a wide range of processed foods.

It will also protect 221 EU, and 72 Indonesian, agricultural and food geographical indications (‘GIs'). Finally, it protects sensitive agri-food products such as rice, sugar and fresh bananas where existing tariffs are maintained and limits the access to the EU market for other sensitive products through carefully calibrated quotas.

Except for imports of Indonesian crops that are not grown in the EU, the EU already exports more agri-food products to Indonesia than it imports, with exports of €1 billion per year.

A deal for sustainable growth and development

The EU-Indonesia CEPA has a strong sustainability pillar, fully integrating the objectives of the EU Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) review, with respect to commitments on climate, the environment, workers' rights and their enforceability.

The deal sets the Paris Agreement as an essential element and promotes trade and investment in products vital for environmental and climate objectives, including renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.

The CEPA sets a platform for cooperation, dialogue, and trade facilitation on an array of trade-related environmental and climate issues, including in the palm oil sector.

This brings unprecedented opportunities to advance the conversation on sustainability between the EU and Indonesia, and to ensure that increased trade, social protection and sound environmental governance go hand in hand.

Secure and sustainable critical raw materials supply

Indonesia is a world-leading producer of raw materials, many of which are vital to the green and digital sectors. The deal strengthens predictable, reliable and sustainable supply chains, including through reduced tariffs, facilitation of exports, environmental impact assessments, and advanced cooperation.

Next steps

The negotiated draft texts will be published shortly. These texts will go through legal revision and translation into all official EU languages. The European Commission will then put forward its proposal to the Council for the signature and conclusion of the CEPA and the IPA. Once adopted by the Council, the EU and Indonesia can sign the agreements.

Following the signature, the texts will be transmitted to the European Parliament for consent. After the consent by the European Parliament, and once Indonesia also ratifies them, the CEPA and IPA can enter into force.

Background

Negotiations for an FTA with Indonesia started in July 2016. The 19th and last formal negotiating round was held in July 2024, followed by intersessional discussions at technical and political level. Presidents von der Leyen and Prabowo reached a political agreement on the conclusion of the FTA in July 2025, leading up to the conclusion of the negotiations on 23 September 2025.



More News from European Commission

#Europe

New EU rules to stop the destruction of unsold clothes and shoes

The European Commission today (Feb 9) adopted new measures under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to prevent the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing, accessories and footwear.

#Europe

Commission adopts a first-ever EU Visa Strategy

Today, the European Commission is adopting its first-ever EU Visa Strategy. It sets out a framework for a visa policy that is more strategic and that advances the EU's long-term interests, allowing it to be better equipped for growing mobility as well as the consequences of regional instability and geopolitical competition.

#Europe

EU and India conclude landmark Free Trade Agreement

The EU and India concluded negotiations today for a historic, ambitious and commercially significant free trade agreement (FTA), the largest such deal ever concluded by either side. It will strengthen economic and political ties between the world's second and fourth largest economies, at a time of rising geopolitical tensions and global economic challenges, highlighting their joint commitment to economic openness and rules-based trade.

#Europe

EU and Mercosur sign historic and ambitious partnership

Today, the European Union and Mercosur signed a Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and an Interim Trade Agreement (iTA), representing a historic milestone between the two regions, and an ambitious platform for strengthening their economic, diplomatic and geopolitical relations.

More News on Europe

#Associations

European Business Coalition welcomes provisional application of EU–Mercosur Agreement and calls for Swift and full implementation

With the European Commission’s decision to provisionally apply the EU–Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement, a process spanning more than 25 years now moves decisively into its implementation phase.

#Europe

Antwerp Declaration community urges EU leaders to deliver emergency measures as Europe’s competitiveness crisis deepens

EURATEX, representing the European textile and fashion industry, joins the Antwerp Declaration Community’s call on EU Heads of State and Government to adopt emergency measures that restore industrial competitiveness and deliver tangible results for Europe’s manufacturing base in 2026.

#Europe

FITA, ABIT and EURATEX underline strategic importance of Mercosur – EU Partnership Agreement for the textile and apparel industry

The Argentine Textile Industry Federation (FITA), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT), and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) continue to monitor the process of internalizing the Mercosur-European Union Partnership Agreement. This agreement is essential for the competitiveness of our industries, on both sides of the Atlantic.

#Europe

ICAC to support European Commission on pending PEF legislation

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) is proud to announce that it has been included as a member of the European Commission’s Technical Advisory Board (TAB) on the Product Environmental Footprint methodology. The Commission developed the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) to assess and communicate the life cycle environmental performance of products and organizations.

Latest News

#Natural Fibers

Beyond Cotton: Natural Fibres in the Spotlight at the Bremen Cotton Conference - Branded by DNFI

Climate targets, fragile supply chains, and rising regulatory requirements are fundamentally changing the perspective of the textile industry - the focus is increasingly shifting toward the base material. Not only cotton, but natural fibres are gaining significant importance: they stand out not only because of their outstanding functional properties, but also because they make a valuable contribution to the bioeconomy and responsible product development.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Coats to showcase innovative reinforcement and filler materials for leather goods and accessories at APLF 2026

Coats, a world-class Tier 2 manufacturer and trusted partner for the apparel and footwear industries, will be promoting four advanced materials from its ‘Lifestyle Solutions’ portfolio at APLF 2026 in Hong Kong in March. Each innovation has been specifically engineered to help luxury and premium brands elevate the craft, durability, sustainability and creative expression required in the manufacturing of handbags, purses, and other high-end designer accessories.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Design, innovation and sustainability propel VIATT 2026’s expanding role in ASEAN textile sourcing

At its third edition, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles, and Textile Technologies (VIATT) further reinforced its role as a key sourcing and business platform for ASEAN’s textile industry. The three-day fair welcomed over 17,000 visits from 54 countries and regions, and featured over 460 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions across 18,000 sqm. The 2026 edition was marked by the introduction of new international pavilions and zones, broadening the fair’s sourcing scope across new geographies and product categories. The fringe programme, headlined by the debut Trend Forum, further distinguished VIATT as the region’s most integrated textile trade platform – uniquely spanning the entire value chain.

#Nonwovens

Sandler turns financial stability into a catalyst for shaping the future

The Sandler Group has presented its financial figures for the past fiscal year (01/01/2025-12/31/2025). Like previous years, the year 2025 was also marked by industry-wide structural challenges and geopolitical uncertainties. Turnover was virtually stable at EUR 321 million (2024: EUR 326 million). High energy costs continue to weigh heavily on profitability. The number of employees was 975 (2024: 980). The family-owned company, which was founded in 1879 and has been run by the fifth generation since August 2025, continues to invest millions in its Schwarzenbach site despite the high production costs in Germany. As part of the long-term corporate strategy, the management team is focusing on strict cost management, further development of the product portfolio, and greater efficiency in production and administrative processes. The company does not expect a market recovery in 2026 and 2027.

TOP