Canada and Indonesia signed the Indonesia–Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on September 24, 2025, in Ottawa. Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Prabowo Subianto witnessed the signing, which represents Canada’s first bilateral trade agreement with an ASEAN nation.
Tariff Reductions and Market Access
CEPA eliminates or reduces tariffs on more than 90 percent of Canadian goods entering Indonesia. According to Canadian officials, 95 percent of Canada’s current exports to Indonesia will benefit from improved market access.
For beef producers, the agreement provides an opening in a country of 270 million people with growing protein demand. Tariff-free access improves the competitiveness of Canadian beef against established suppliers such as Australia, New Zealand, and India.
Diversification Beyond the U.S.
Canadian officials emphasized that CEPA advances the federal government’s strategy to diversify trade beyond the United States. Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng stated that the agreement allows Canadian producers to tap into “a dynamic, fast-growing economy.”
Industry Response
The Canadian Cattle Association welcomed the agreement, highlighting the tariff-free access for Canadian beef. The Association also noted that a technical issue remains: Indonesia requires cattle intended for export to complete a four-month residency in Canada before shipment. Industry representatives continue discussions with government officials to resolve this barrier.
Implementation Timeline
The agreement is expected to take effect in 2026 following ratification. Both governments also signed additional cooperation agreements covering defense, business, and investment partnerships during the same visit.
 on September 24, 2025. The deal reduces tariffs on 95% of Canadian exports, including beef, and strengthens trade diversification.){kind=link}