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Top negotiator: Indonesia and US are looking to expand their partnership on critical minerals after a 'positive meeting'

The meeting between Indonesia and the United States in Washington over the impending tariffs was "positive", Indonesia's chief negotiator told reporters on Thursday. Both countries are exploring a broader partnership in the vital minerals sector.

The U.S. has imposed a 32% duty on Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia. This is due to its strategic importance for global trade.

Airlangga Hartarto, the chief negotiator of Indonesia and its economic minister, said that he had met Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as well as U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer on Wednesday in Washington.

Airlangga’s ministry stated on Thursday that they discussed tariffs, nontariff barriers, and commercial partnerships. They added that both countries would intensify their talks in the coming three weeks.

"We have an agreement with the U.S. on the same lines regarding the discussions. Airlangga stated in a statement that we would make every effort to conclude these negotiations according to the principle of mutual benefits.

Indonesia and the United States have set their sights on a larger partnership in the crucial minerals sector of the former, citing Airlangga’s Ministry's large nickel, cobalt and copper reserves.

Indonesia is the G20's largest economy. It is the world's leading exporter of palm and tin oil, as well as a major metal producer.

Indonesia has been a key player in the trade talks.

Proposed slashing

It offered to reduce the duties on American goods to almost zero, and to increase U.S. investments and purchases in the country. This would amount to about

$34 billion

Recently, several Indonesian companies signed agreements with their counterparts in the United States to increase their purchases of energy, wheat, corn, and cotton. (Reporting and writing by Bernadette Cristina and Ananda Terresia, with editing by David Stanway.)

(source: Reuters)