Indonesia Pushes for Zero-Tariff Access for Processed Tuna, Skipjack to Japan 2026

Japan will eliminate its 9.6 percent import tariff on processed tuna and skipjack, lowering the rate to zero percent under the amended Indonesia–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, a move Kementerian Kelautan dan Perikanan (KKP) rolled into its mid‑February 2026 export strategy. KKP is urging processors to prepare for the change and says exporters may be able to take advantage starting Q2 2026, pending completion of the ministry’s ratification circular and registration procedures.

The tariff cut traces to an IJEPA protocol signed to amend the 2007 deal first agreed by Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Shinzo Abe; the amendment protocol was signed on August 8, 2024. KKP has flagged the amendment as a lever to boost market share in Japan for Indonesian tuna products, and officials are drafting a circular that will explain how processing units can apply for the zero‑percent tariff registration number required to use the preference.

Machmud, acting director general for the Competitiveness Strengthening of Marine and Fisheries Products at KKP, framed the change as a competitive accelerator: "With a zero-percent tariff, our tuna and skipjack exports will become more competitive, and we are optimistic that Indonesia can become number one in Japan." KKP cites current export value to Japan for canned and other processed tuna products at US$30.28 million and notes Indonesia presently ranks third in that market.

Reported growth rates show Indonesia outpacing regional rivals, but figures vary. Compound annual growth rates cited for Indonesia’s exports to Japan are reported as either 13.82 percent or 13.28 percent, while Thailand’s growth is put at 12.12 percent and the Philippines at 6.31 percent. Tuna and skipjack are identified by KKP as a major export line, reaching about 17 percent market share of the sector in some agency reports.

Administrative and product scope details remain important for processors. The IJEPA protocol text as reported lists Japan’s Harmonized System codes 1604.14.091 and 1604.14.099 for processed tuna and skipjack, and one reading specifies those codes apply to processed products other than canned. KKP has said fish processing units exporting under the applicable HS codes must register with the ministry; the upcoming circular will outline the application procedures for obtaining the zero‑percent registration number.

KKP’s 2026 export strategy ties the tariff move to wider trade facilitation and compliance work. The ministry is pushing traceability and quality measures, and in November 2025 it launched the National Fish Traceability and Logistics System, Stelina, aligned to Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability standards. KKP also plans trade missions, international promotions and business matchmaking, and will assist exporters with EU catch certificates, U.S. admissibility rules and ongoing negotiations such as NOAA comparability talks for crab exports.

Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has stressed that cold storage capacity must be expanded so product quality keeps pace with new market access. If the circular and registration system are completed in time for Q2 2026 implementation, Indonesian processors will face an operational squeeze to scale cold chain, register facilities and route shipments under the new tariff lines to capitalize on zero‑percent access to Japan.