USDEC Claims Milk Imports Do Not Threaten Indonesia’s Local Industry

JAKARTA, Jakartaweekly.com—The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) views milk trade, including imports, as not necessarily having a negative impact on domestic industries, as long as it is conducted fairly and in a mutually beneficial manner.

USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden said trade can benefit both exporters and importers. She noted that trade should not be understood as a mechanism that replaces local production or harms domestic farmers and industries.

“Trade does not have to replace local production or harm domestic farmers and industries. Instead, trade can actually increase demand for the products being produced,” she said in Jakarta on Monday, June 22, 2026.

She explained that most of the growing demand for milk in Indonesia is expected to continue being met by local farmers. However, given the country’s large and growing population, there is a possibility that this demand cannot be fully met domestically.

Krysta said that in such conditions, trade with other countries can help cover supply gaps. She also noted that there are other countries that are geographically closer and could serve as additional sources of supply.

According to her, export-import trade does not always have negative effects, although in practice it can bring various consequences. She emphasized that businesses on both sides—exporters and importers—can benefit if trade is conducted fairly.

“Many people think trade is bad. It can be, but it does not have to be. Both sides—exporters and importers—can benefit if it is done fairly,” she said.

Krysta also said that Indonesia’s dairy industry has strong production quality. She noted that there is no difference in quality between farmers in Indonesia and those in the United States.

“As I have become more familiar with Indonesia’s industry, especially the dairy sector, I see that you have very good production,” she said.

She stressed that the United States is not superior to Indonesia in terms of production quality. The United States, she said, only has a larger production scale.

Krysta explained that the U.S. dairy industry has developed efficiency, productivity, and technology. This allows the U.S. dairy industry to cooperate with Indonesia’s dairy sector.

She added that such cooperation is also aimed at helping people understand the importance of milk in the diet, as well as supporting the nutritional needs of children, young generations, and the wider public.

“We have invested in the United States, and our farmers themselves have invested millions of dollars in science and research, working with doctors, nutritionists, and parents to demonstrate the benefits of milk, especially for child development,” she said.

She added that milk contains vitamin D and calcium, which help support the development of the brain, muscles, and bones. She also noted that milk can be consumed in various forms, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream.