REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Industry Ministry said Indonesia could join the U.S. led trade pact of Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) not before 2020.

"We are studying (the possibility). If we want and they accept, we could join the new pact not earlier than 2020," Director General of Development of Access to International Industry Achmad Sigit Dwiwahjono said.

Sigit said Indonesia could submit proposal to join the 12 country pact after the agreement has been ratified by the United States and other member countries.

The process of ratification is estimated to take two years or ratification is predicted to be wrapped up in 2018, he said.

It will take two more years for negotiation or until 2020 Indonesia wants to joint it, he said.

"I do not even believe that negotiations with the 12 members countries could be wrapped up in two years," he added.

In the meantime, the country's exports to the United States are feared to decline in 2018 after the agreement has been ratified by the member countries,he said.

Exports of similar commodities from member countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia would be more competitive in price as they would are entitled to customs duty exemption.

Sigit said Indonesia is still studying the possibility of joining the trade pact.

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