Indonesia and 15 other trading partners are suspected of unfair trade practices that have resulted in a U.S. trade deficit. According to data from Indonesia's Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), Indonesia has consistently recorded a trade surplus with the United States. In 2016, Indonesia recorded a surplus of US$8.5 billion. Furthermore, since 2010, imports from the United States have steadily decreased, further increasing Indonesia's surplus.
Last Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered an investigation into countries contributing to the U.S. trade deficit, including Indonesia. This executive order mandates that the U.S. Department of Commerce has 90 days to compile a detailed report for each country and each imported commodity contributing to the U.S. trade deficit.
Besides Indonesia, 15 other countries are on Trump's special list: China, Japan, Germany, Mexico, Ireland, Vietnam, Italy, South Korea, Malaysia, India, Thailand, France, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Canada.