Indonesia Expands Seafood Exports to Taiwan and South Korea

VOXBLICK

Rabu, 04 Februari 2026 - 08.10 WIB

Seafood exports from Indonesia (Photo by Tom Fisk)

Indonesia Expands Seafood Exports to Taiwan and South Korea

VOXBLICK.COM - Indonesia, the world’s second-largest producer of fish and seafood, is making significant strides in expanding its seafood export markets, particularly to Taiwan and South Korea. This strategic move is poised to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a leading seafood supplier in Asia, offering new growth avenues for the country’s fisheries sector and its broader economy. With global demand for high-quality seafood steadily rising, Indonesia’s efforts to secure wider market access reflect both its production capabilities and its ambition to play a larger role in regional trade.

In 2023, Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) announced a series of bilateral agreements aimed at reducing technical barriers and streamlining export procedures for seafood products, including shrimp, tuna, and crab.

These agreements follow years of negotiations and are expected to result in a substantial increase in export volumes. For local producers and investors, the development signals enhanced trade opportunities, particularly as both Taiwan and South Korea are high-value markets with sophisticated consumer bases.

Strengthening Trade Relations and Economic Impact

The expansion of seafood exports is expected to significantly bolster Indonesia’s trade relations with Taiwan and South Korea.

According to data from the Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), seafood exports to South Korea grew by 18% year-on-year in 2023, while shipments to Taiwan increased by 12%. These figures are projected to rise further as regulatory frameworks are harmonized and Indonesian exporters gain easier market entry.

For Indonesia’s fisheries sector, which employs more than 12 million people and contributes over $4.8 billion annually in export value, these new pathways offer vital opportunities for growth.

The government’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices and traceability is also enhancing the international competitiveness of Indonesian seafood. By meeting the stringent food safety and quality standards set by Taiwan and South Korea, Indonesia is positioning itself as a reliable supplier in the premium seafood segment.

Opportunities for Investors and Businesses

The expanded market access is attracting attention from both domestic and foreign investors. Key investment areas include cold chain logistics, aquaculture technology, and value-added seafood processing.

As demand from Taiwan and South Korea grows, Indonesian seafood companies are increasingly looking to upgrade their facilities and adopt international best practices in sustainability, packaging, and supply chain management.

Cold Chain Infrastructure: Investments in refrigeration and transportation are critical to maintaining product quality during export.
Processing Facilities: Value-added processing, such as ready-to-eat seafood products, offers higher margins and greater appeal to Asian consumers.
Sustainable Aquaculture: Innovations in environmentally friendly farming methods are attracting ESG-conscious investors.

In addition, Indonesia’s status as a member of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) provides a framework for reduced tariffs and streamlined trade procedures, further incentivizing cross-border investment and collaboration.

Regional Economic Growth and Strategic Outlook

The ripple effect of expanded seafood exports is expected to extend beyond the fisheries sector. Increased export revenues support rural development, infrastructure upgrades, and job creation across Indonesia’s vast archipelago.

Moreover, enhanced trade ties with Taiwan and South Korea reinforce Indonesia’s role as a pivotal player in Asia’s agri-food supply chain.

For international investors and businesses, Indonesia’s progressive trade policies and commitment to food safety and sustainability create a conducive environment for partnerships and joint ventures.

As the country continues to improve its export capabilities, the outlook for Indonesia’s seafood industryand its broader economyremains robust and full of promise.