CBAM and Southeast Asia: Aluminium and Fertiliser Exporters in Indonesia and Malaysia

Indonesia and Malaysia face CBAM exposure primarily through aluminium, steel, and fertiliser exports to the EU. Indonesia has a carbon tax (approximately EUR 1.70/tCO2) that may provide a minimal CBAM deduction. Malaysia's Press Metal is a significant aluminium exporter with actual emissions well below the default.

Truth Anchor: Indonesia's carbon tax (IDR 30/kgCO2 ≈ EUR 1.70/tCO2) was launched in 2022 under Law No. 7 of 2021 on Harmonisation of Tax Regulations. It may qualify for a minimal CBAM deduction under Article 9 of Regulation 2023/956.

Indonesia CBAM Exposure

SectorKey companiesGrid factor (tCO2/MWh)Typical actual (tCO2/t)
Steel (EAF)Krakatau Steel, Gunawan Dianjaya0.871.20–1.80
Fertilisers (Ammonia)Pupuk Indonesia, Petrokimia GresikN/A (gas-based)1.80–2.20

Malaysia CBAM Exposure

SectorKey companiesGrid factor (tCO2/MWh)Typical actual (tCO2/t)Saving vs default
Aluminium (primary)Press Metal Aluminium0.628.00–10.00EUR 157–288/t
Steel (EAF)Lion Steel, Southern Steel0.620.60–0.90EUR 84–103/t

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Indonesia's carbon tax offset CBAM?

Indonesia's carbon tax (IDR 30/kgCO2 ≈ EUR 1.70/tCO2) may qualify for a minimal CBAM deduction under Article 9 — but the deduction is very small relative to the EUR 65.42/tCO2 CBAM certificate price.

What is Indonesia's grid emission factor?

Indonesia's grid emission factor is approximately 0.87 tCO2/MWh — high due to coal dominance.

What is Malaysia's CBAM exposure for aluminium?

Press Metal is Malaysia's largest aluminium producer. Using Malaysia's grid (0.62 tCO2/MWh), actual embedded carbon is typically 8–10 tCO2/t — saving EUR 157–288/t vs the 12.40 default.

Does CBAM apply to Indonesian fertiliser exports?

Yes. Indonesian ammonia and urea exports to the EU are covered by CBAM. Pupuk Indonesia is Indonesia's largest fertiliser producer and a significant EU exporter.

Where can Indonesian and Malaysian manufacturers find ISO 14065 accredited verifiers?

See the Indonesia & Malaysia verifier directory at /verification-directory/indonesia-malaysia/ for KAN ISO 14065 accredited CBAM verification firms.

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