Indonesia’s Trade Dispute on Nickel Ore in the WTO: Current Progress and Developments

Indonesia is a key player in the global nickel market, accounting for nearly a quarter of the world’s nickel supply.

Indonesia, the world’s largest producer of nickel, has found itself at the center of a significant trade dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over its policies concerning nickel ore exports. The dispute, initiated by the European Union (EU) in 2019, revolves around Indonesia’s ban on the export of unprocessed nickel ore, a policy that the Indonesian government has defended as necessary for developing its domestic nickel processing industry and promoting economic growth. However, the EU, one of Indonesia’s largest trading partners, has argued that the export ban is a violation of WTO rules, specifically those related to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). This article provides a detailed analysis of the current progress and developments in Indonesia’s nickel ore trade dispute, examining the legal arguments, key milestones, and potential implications for global trade and the mining industry.

Background of the Dispute

Indonesia is a key player in the global nickel market, accounting for nearly a quarter of the world’s nickel supply. Nickel is a critical raw material for various industries, particularly the production of stainless steel and batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). In recent years, the demand for nickel has surged due to the rapid growth of the EV market, making nickel a strategic resource for countries looking to secure supply chains for their green energy transitions (Reuters, 2020).

In an effort to develop its domestic nickel processing industry and capture more value from its natural resources, Indonesia introduced a series of measures aimed at restricting the export of unprocessed nickel ore. These measures culminated in a complete ban on nickel ore exports, which took effect in January 2020. The Indonesian government argued that by restricting exports of raw nickel ore, it could attract more investment in domestic smelters and refineries, thereby fostering industrial development and job creation within the country (Fitch Solutions, 2021).

The EU, however, viewed Indonesia’s export ban as a violation of WTO rules, particularly those under the GATT, which prohibit export restrictions that discriminate between countries or unfairly restrict international trade. In November 2019, the EU requested consultations with Indonesia at the WTO, arguing that the export ban on nickel ore and other minerals was inconsistent with Indonesia’s commitments under the GATT and the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMs) (World Trade Organization, 2019). These consultations failed to resolve the issue, leading the EU to request the establishment of a WTO dispute settlement panel in January 2021.

Key Legal Issues in the Dispute

The dispute between the EU and Indonesia centers on several key legal issues related to the interpretation and application of WTO rules. The EU’s main arguments focus on Indonesia’s violation of GATT provisions, specifically Article XI, which deals with quantitative restrictions, and Article XX, which provides exceptions for certain policies, including environmental protection and resource conservation.

1. Violation of Article XI of the GATT (General Elimination of Quantitative Restrictions)

The EU’s primary argument is that Indonesia’s export ban on nickel ore constitutes a quantitative restriction on exports, which is prohibited under Article XI of the GATT. Article XI:1 states that WTO members shall not impose prohibitions or restrictions other than duties, taxes, or other charges on the export of any product destined for the territory of another member (World Trade Organization, 1994). The EU contends that Indonesia’s ban on the export of unprocessed nickel ore is a clear violation of this provision, as it restricts the free flow of trade in nickel ore.

2. Violation of the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMs)

In addition to the GATT, the EU has also raised concerns about Indonesia’s compliance with the TRIMs Agreement, which prohibits trade-related investment measures that are inconsistent with GATT provisions. The EU argues that Indonesia’s export restrictions are part of a broader industrial policy aimed at forcing foreign companies to invest in domestic processing facilities, which constitutes a violation of the TRIMs Agreement (World Trade Organization, 2019). By requiring companies to process nickel ore domestically before exporting, Indonesia is effectively imposing performance requirements that are inconsistent with its obligations under the TRIMs Agreement.

3. Indonesia’s Defense: Justifications under Article XX of the GATT

In response to the EU’s claims, Indonesia has invoked Article XX of the GATT, which provides general exceptions for measures that would otherwise violate GATT provisions if they are necessary to achieve certain legitimate policy objectives. Specifically, Indonesia has argued that its export restrictions are justified under Article XX(g), which allows for measures relating to the conservation of exhaustible natural resources (World Trade Organization, 2021). Indonesia contends that nickel is an exhaustible resource, and that

restricting exports is necessary to conserve its reserves and promote sustainable development.

Furthermore, Indonesia has also argued that its policies are aimed at promoting the development of its domestic processing industry, which aligns with the country’s broader economic development goals. The Indonesian government maintains that its export restrictions are not arbitrary or discriminatory, but are part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance the country’s industrial capabilities and generate greater economic benefits from its natural resources (Fitch Solutions, 2021).

Current Progress and Developments in the WTO Dispute

As of 2023, the dispute between the EU and Indonesia remains ongoing, with several key developments having taken place since the EU first initiated the case in 2019. Below is a timeline of the key milestones in the dispute:

1. November 2019: EU Requests Consultations with Indonesia

The EU formally initiated the dispute by requesting consultations with Indonesia at the WTO in November 2019. The consultations were aimed at resolving the dispute through dialogue and negotiation, but no agreement was reached.

2. January 2021: EU Requests Establishment of a WTO Dispute Panel

Following the failure of consultations, the EU requested the establishment of a WTO dispute settlement panel in January 2021 to adjudicate the case. The panel was tasked with examining whether Indonesia’s export restrictions on nickel ore were consistent with its obligations under the GATT and the TRIMs Agreement (World Trade Organization, 2021).

3. 2022: Panel Proceedings and Submissions

Throughout 2022, both parties submitted legal arguments and evidence to the WTO dispute panel. The EU argued that Indonesia’s export restrictions violated WTO rules, while Indonesia defended its policies by invoking Article XX of the GATT and emphasizing the need to conserve natural resources and promote industrial development.

4. July 2023: Interim Report by the WTO Panel

In July 2023, the WTO dispute panel issued an interim report, which is confidential and circulated only to the parties involved. The interim report contains the panel’s preliminary findings and legal reasoning, but it is not yet the final ruling. Both parties have the opportunity to provide comments on the interim report before the panel issues its final ruling.

5. Expected Final Ruling in Late 2023 or Early 2024

The final ruling by the WTO panel is expected to be issued by late 2023 or early 2024, depending on the timeline of the proceedings and the complexity of the case. The ruling will determine whether Indonesia’s export restrictions on nickel ore are consistent with WTO rules and whether any corrective actions will be required.

Potential Outcomes and Implications of the Dispute

The outcome of the WTO dispute between the EU and Indonesia could have significant implications for both global trade and the future of Indonesia’s nickel industry. Below are some potential outcomes and their implications:

1. Ruling in Favor of the EU

If the WTO panel rules in favor of the EU, it could result in Indonesia being required to remove or modify its export restrictions on nickel ore. Such a ruling could have major consequences for Indonesia’s domestic nickel processing industry, as it would reduce the government’s ability to control the supply of raw materials and incentivize foreign investment in domestic smelters. A ruling in favor of the EU could also set a precedent for other countries seeking to challenge export restrictions on natural resources (Reuters, 2020).

2. Ruling in Favor of Indonesia

If the WTO panel rules in favor of Indonesia, it would validate the country’s use of export restrictions as a tool for promoting domestic industrial development and conserving natural resources. Such a ruling could encourage other resource-rich countries to adopt similar policies, potentially leading to a shift in global trade patterns and a greater emphasis on domestic value-added processing (Fitch Solutions, 2021).

3. Impact on Global Nickel Supply and Prices

The outcome of the dispute could also have significant implications for global nickel supply and prices. Indonesia’s export ban has already contributed to a tightening of global nickel supplies, which has driven up prices in recent years. If Indonesia is required to lift its export ban, it could lead to an increase in global nickel supply, which could lower prices and benefit industries that rely on nickel, such as stainless steel manufacturers and EV battery producers (Bloomberg, 2022).

4. Broader Implications for WTO Rules on Natural Resources

The dispute between the EU and Indonesia also raises broader questions about the interpretation of WTO rules related to natural resource management and industrial policy. A ruling in favor of Indonesia could signal a greater acceptance of export restrictions as a legitimate tool for resource-rich countries to promote domestic development and achieve sustainability goals. Conversely, a ruling in favor of the EU could reaffirm the WTO’s commitment to free trade and the elimination of trade barriers, potentially limiting the ability of countries to use export restrictions as part of their industrial policies (World Trade Organization, 2021).

Conclusion

The trade dispute between Indonesia and the EU over nickel ore exports is a complex and multifaceted case that touches on important issues related to global trade, industrial policy, and natural resource management. As the WTO dispute settlement process unfolds, the outcome of the case will have significant implications not only for Indonesia’s nickel industry but also for the broader global trade regime.

Indonesia’s defense of its export restrictions under Article XX of the GATT reflects the country’s desire to balance its economic development goals with its obligations under international trade rules. At the same time, the EU’s challenge highlights the tension between free trade principles and the use of industrial policies to promote domestic economic growth. As the final ruling approaches, all eyes will be on the WTO panel’s decision, which could set a precedent for future disputes involving natural resources and trade-related investment measures.

Sekarsari Sugihartono
Sekarsari Sugihartono
I am an international relations master's student at Gadjah Mada University. My interests are SDGs and International Trade Dispute.