The import ban affects 12 product categories, potentially impacting Thailand’s exports to Indonesia, particularly key exports such as sugar, rice, and products within the air conditioning and refrigeration sectors. However, Indonesia still needs to import sugar due to insufficient domestic production. Consequently, the government is likely to continue limiting or not permitting rice imports for direct consumption, following the policies of previous years. 31/2025, Indonesia still allows rice imports for industrial purposes by companies with Importer Producer status, but these imports must be approved beforehand. 31/2025 remains in effect, clearly distinguishing between rice imports for direct consumption, which are limited to state-owned enterprises, and rice imports for industrial use, which can be conducted by authorised Importer Producers.

Source: The Star February 02, 2026 14:24 UTC