Committee on Import Licensing - Import Licensing System of Indonesia - Questions from the United States to Indonesia

World Trade Organization G/LIC/Q/IDN/9 10 October 2008 (08-4840) Committee on Import Licensing Original: English IMPORT LICENSING system of indonesia Questions from the UNITED STATES to INDONESIA The following communication, dated 7 October 2008, is being circulated at the request of the delegation of the United States. _______________ The United States is concerned by reports that the government of Indonesia is planning a new import licensing regime to restrict access to its sugar market. Traders, other contacts in the Indonesian market, and local press indicate that the Indonesian Government intends to limit imports in favour of domestic sugar, production of which is now approaching projected demand. We understand that under the new plan, companies needing sugar for their operations, including the food and beverage industry, will be required to purchase sugar from domestic refineries that have been the beneficiaries of a government-supporte