WTO ruling helps U.S. ag exports to Indonesia

The World Trade Organization has ruled in favor of the U.S. and New Zealand against Indonesia’s restrictions on its imports of fruits, vegetables and meats. The restrictions cost about $115 million in U.S. agricultural exports to Indonesia in 2015, including $28 million worth of apples and more than $29 million worth of grapes.    Prior to restrictions begun in 2012, Indonesia was a 2.7-million-box per year Washington apple market, Powers said. Since then, it’s 1 million boxes lower but could grow that back and expand in the future with restrictions lifted, he said.One million, 40-pound boxes of apples are worth roughly $20 million.“We think it has incredible potential. It has a large population. They enjoy Red Delicious and other varieties, like higher-value products and don’t have their own supply,” Powers said. China, New Zealand, Chile and other apple exporters have also been hindered by the same restrictions but will be out from under them, making the market competitive, he said.