The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) has welcomed the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the European Union and Indonesia. This long-anticipated agreement is expected to unlock €300 million (~$352.4 million) annually for the European sporting goods industry, which has supported the negotiations since the very beginning.

The CEPA will significantly boost trade and investment flows between the EU and Indonesia, unlocking new opportunities across sectors, and particularly for the sporting goods industry. It will eliminate tariffs, streamline customs procedures, increase regulatory cooperation, and support more sustainable and resilient supply chains.

FESI has welcomed the EU–Indonesia CEPA, expected to unlock €300 million (~$352.4 million) annually for the sporting goods industry.
The deal eliminates tariffs, streamlines customs, and boosts trade and supply chain resilience.
Backed by Adidas, Nike, and Puma, FESI’s advocacy since 2016 helped shape the agreement, now awaiting ratification to strengthen EU–ASEAN ties.

Indonesia is a key manufacturing hub for the sporting goods industry, home to numerous production facilities that supply European and global markets. European brands will benefit from greater market access and certainty, while Indonesian suppliers, including thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises, will see expanded opportunities to connect with European consumers.

Since 2016, FESI has actively supported the EU–Indonesia CEPA through high-level engagement and advocacy. Key milestones include meetings at the EU-ASEAN Summit in 2022, a 2023 delegation to Jakarta with president Neil Narriman, a 2024 discussion with vice trade minister Dr. Jerry Sambuaga, and a pivotal 2025 meeting in Brussels before the agreement’s conclusion, FESI said in a release.

“We recognise the important role played by the European Commission in moving this agreement forward and advancing the EU’s broader trade agenda. At the same time, FESI has been a tireless advocate for this partnership from day one, and we are proud to see our industry’s united voice help shape a modern, strategic trade policy with one of ASEAN’s most dynamic economies,” said Youri Mercier Richkine, FESI deputy secretary general.

These efforts, backed by long-standing support of FESI member companies such as Adidas, Nike, and Puma, have been essential to securing a deal that delivers tangible, practical benefits for business.

As the EU–Indonesia CEPA moves into its final phase, FESI calls on the EU Member States and the European Parliament to swiftly ratify the agreement to reinforce the EU’s commitment to a progressive, open, and rules-based trade agenda.

Amid growing trade tensions and global fragmentation, the CEPA sends a clear signal that the EU remains a reliable, forward-looking partner for fast-growing Indo-Pacific economies. The agreement not only unlocks new opportunities for European companies and workers, it also advances the EU’s policy priorities, as outlined in President Ursula von der Leyen’s 2024 political guidelines, including deeper engagement in the Indo-Pacific and stronger cooperation with ASEAN.

“The EU–Indonesia CEPA is a landmark step for our industry and one of the key priorities of my mandate at FESI. Concluding this agreement as my presidency comes to an end is both symbolic and a lasting legacy for our sector. Once again, we are also strengthening our ties with the ASEAN region, further deepening mutually beneficial partnerships that open new opportunities for our industry and our partners alike,” Neil Narriman, FESI president, said.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Indonesian government and the European Commission for achieving this landmark agreement. This milestone not only acknowledges Indonesia’s role as a global manufacturing leader but also promotes active lifestyles across Europe by eliminating tariffs on a wide range of sporting goods. The agreement has the potential to foster sustainable growth, attract investment, and enhance supply chain resilience across both regions”, commented Manuel Pauser, vice president global government & community affairs at Adidas, vice-president of FESI and vice-chair of FESI Trade Preferences Task Force.

“The EU–Indonesia CEPA is not only an important trade agreement for our industry, workers and consumers, but also a strong signal to the rest of the world that Indonesia and the EU can champion rules-based trade in a challenging trading landscape,” said Ingrid van Laerhoven, director trade & customs EMEA, government and public affairs at Nike, and chair of the FESI Trade Committee.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)