August 30, 2025 – In the international trade realm of chemical products, Indonesia has recently taken new actions regarding safeguard measures on imported linear low – density polyethylene.
Back on September 9, 2024, at the request of Indonesian producers, the Indonesian Committee for Safeguard Measures (KPPI) launched a safeguard measures investigation into imported linear low – density polyethylene (Polyethylene containing 5% or less alpha – olefin monomers, in other than liquid/paste form). According to the safeguard measure notification submitted by the Indonesian delegation and released by the WTO Committee on Safeguards on September 11, 2024, the products under investigation were non – liquid/paste polyethylene with no more than 5% alpha – olefin monomers, covering products under Indonesian tariff code 3901.10.92. This move sparked concerns within the industry about Indonesia’s protective inclination towards its plastic raw material market.
Fast – forward to 2025, the relevant measures have been further extended. As learned from the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, on August 7, 2025, the WTO Committee on Safeguards once again released a safeguard measure notification submitted by the Indonesian delegation. This time, in response to the application submitted by The Indonesia Olefin, Aromatic, and Plastics Industry Association/INAPLAS on April 15, 2025, Indonesia decided to expand the scope of products subject to safeguard measures on imported linear low – density polyethylene, adding ethylene – alpha – olefin copolymers with a specific gravity of less than 0.94 under Indonesian tariff code 3901.40.00.
The Indonesia Olefin, Aromatic, and Plastics Industry Association/INAPLAS, as an organization representing local plastic – related enterprises in Indonesia, is committed to promoting the development of the local plastic industry and safeguarding the interests of its member companies. By pushing for the expansion of the scope of products under safeguard measures this time, it aims to further protect local plastic raw material producers from the impact of imported products and stabilize the domestic market supply and price system. For exporters of global linear low – density polyethylene and related ethylene – alpha – olefin copolymers, this change in the market access threshold in Indonesia will undoubtedly have a significant impact. Relevant enterprises need to closely monitor subsequent developments and adjust their market strategies in a timely manner.