Overview
Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country, operates Southeast Asia’s largest economy, and is a member of the G20. The UAE stands as the Middle East’s premier trade hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. When these two nations signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in July 2022, they built a valuable bridge between regions that have engaged in limited direct trade despite obvious complementary strengths.
The agreement entered into force on 1st September 2023, to tangible impact. Current bilateral non-oil trade stands at USD 4.08 billion, which the CEPA’s architects project to exceed USD 10 billion within five years. This ambitious target becomes even more credible when you examine what the CEPA actually delivers: more than 80% of UAE exports to Indonesia are now exempt from customs duties, giving local enterprises an advantage in accessing one of the region’s largest consumer bases of more than 280 million people.
The CEPA also reduces tariffs on over 90% of product categories, establishes open procedures for customs and technical standards, and grants UAE suppliers a 10% price preference in Indonesian government tenders. It also assures protection against anti-dumping measures and introduces a joint committee to refine and expand cooperation.
Where the Opportunities Lie
With the CEPA provisions in place, what specific opportunities can UAE businesses pursue in Indonesia? The short answer is: plenty. Here are some key high-growth sectors well-positioned to benefit from the agreement:
Construction and Building Materials: Indonesia’s infrastructure boom, including the $35 billion (Rp 523 trillion) development of its new capital city Nusantara, has created massive demand for cement, steel, aluminium, and cabling. While the government has allocated $2.98 billion for Phase 2 (2025-2029), the project is heavily reliant on private and foreign investment, which had already reached $4 billion by September 2025. The elimination of duties makes UAE products more cost-competitive and appealing to contractors on this and other major infrastructure projects.
Renewable Energy and Green Technology: As the country targets 34.3% renewable energy by 2034, UAE firms have a clear opening. This is highlighted by the UAE’s landmark $10 billion commitment to Indonesia's new sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, specifically to finance 10 GW of renewable energy projects. This builds on Masdar’s successful Cirata floating solar plant, creating opportunities for UAE expertise in solar, wind, and clean technologies to partner on large-scale projects, tapping into the 333 GW of financially viable renewable energy potential identified across the country.
Food and Agribusiness: The growing population and increased urbanisation have heightened the need for packaged foods, edible oils, and cold-chain logistics. This is amplified by Indonesia’s massive Halal market, with domestic spending on Halal products projected to reach $281.6 billion by 2025. Furthermore, a new law requiring all food, beverage, and pharmaceutical products to be Halal-certified by late 2025/2026 creates a significant compliance-driven opportunity for UAE firms specializing in Halal-compliant supply chains and products.
Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare: With the government extending insurance coverage and an aging population, Indonesia’s healthcare sector is expanding rapidly. The pharmaceutical market alone is projected to grow at 10.7% (USD CAGR) to reach $10.7 billion by 2025. The country's dependency is a key opportunity: Indonesia imports 85-90% of its active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and most of its medical devices. The medical device import market hit a record $3.28 billion in 2024, with high-growth in orthopedics and surgical supplies, creating prime opportunities for UAE-based manufacturers.
Automotive Components: Indonesia’s automotive industry ranks among Asia’s largest. While new car sales slowed in 2024 (865,000 units) from over 1 million in 2023, the total number of vehicles in use remains massive. This creates a persistent, high-volume demand for spare parts, tyres, and lubricants in the automotive aftermarket, which is valued at approximately $4.6 billion. UAE traders can take advantage of tariff cuts and simplified customs to supply this lucrative service and maintenance market.
Why the CEPA Matters
Quite simply, the CEPA comes at a time when diversification and regional connectivity are pivotal to the UAE’s economic agenda. Preferential access gives UAE exporters first-mover advantage ahead of competitors from major economies still negotiating similar agreements, while Indonesia’s location positions it as a strategic gateway to the broader ASEAN market.
This synergy also extends into logistics. With UAE-based companies such as DP World investing in Indonesian port infrastructure, the physical and policy frameworks for trade are becoming increasingly connected.
How DHL Express Can Help Businesses Benefit
While the CEPA lays the policy groundwork, it calls for reliable logistics and on-the-ground expertise to turn these opportunities into business growth. And this is where DHL Express comes in as an invaluable partner for UAE businesses aiming to venture into new markets. Here’s how we can support companies in this journey:
- Connectivity: With a network of 220 countries across the globe, DHL provides reliable air and ground routes between the UAE and Indonesia. Regular direct connections ensure timely delivery across major Indonesian cities and industrial zones.
- Customs and Compliance Expertise: Experienced teams help exporters effectively manage documentation and certification requirements to ensure shipments qualify for CEPA tariff reductions.
- End-to-End Solutions: Whether handling express deliveries, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, or high-value equipment, DHL’s logistics solutions are tailored to each industry’s requirements. These services provide the flexibility and security needed to manage complex supply chains across long distances.
- Digital Integration: DHL’s digital tools integrate with e-commerce platforms and enterprise systems, enabling UAE exporters to tap into Indonesia’s growing online retail ecosystem.
- Resilient Supply Chains: Time-definite deliveries and flexible routing ensure service resilience in times of disruption.
Venturing Forth
This pact embodies the next stage of the UAE’s trade vision which centers around forming global partnerships that enable sustainable and diversified growth. With the support of DHL’s world-class logistics, now is the time for UAE enterprises to extend their reach and embrace new international successes. The horizon has indeed expanded. And the businesses that commit resources, build relationships, and executive effective logistics strategies will be the ones converting Indonesia’s trade potential into sustained growth. The CEPA has created opportunity, and the door is open for UAE businesses to capture it.
Ready to expand into one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies? Open a DHL Express Business Account to benefit from CEPA-optimized shipping solutions.
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