The first shipment of Polish apples has officially entered Indonesia, marking a significant milestone for Poland, the world’s third-largest apple producer. According to the Jakarta Globe, Poland has long sought access to the Indonesian market but faced challenges due to extended shipment durations.
The chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Polish Embassy in Indonesia revealed that Poland had submitted its application for market entry five years ago, describing the approval process as lengthy. However, he expressed confidence that Polish apples could compete in Indonesia against imports from the United States, China, and New Zealand in terms of both quality and price.
Laris Manis Utama (LMU), the Indonesian importer responsible for the first shipment, confirmed that the apples arrived in mid-December 2024. The company’s Import Merchandise Manager noted initial concerns over transit times but highlighted advancements in modern storage and transportation technology, which have helped preserve the apples’ taste and texture during the journey.
Meanwhile, trade between Indonesia and Poland has been expanding. Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 1 billion in 2024, up from USD 997.1 million the previous year. Indonesia’s exports to Poland totaled USD 726.4 million, while imports from Poland stood at USD 279.6 million.
Additionally, Indonesia and the European Union are engaged in negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with Jakarta aiming to finalize discussions within the first half of 2025, according to Jakarta Globe.
(Source: Fruitnet)
