have a feeling the Osprey procurement would likely go ahead. It would make sense considering the need to balance the trade surplus is a big issue with the outgoing Trump administration
Trade balance and Economics access is big thing for Trump. Biden might get in lighter tone compare to Trump more vulgar one. However don't ever think they will not ask something from Indonesia either to buy more or open up on something else. Like I say in my previous post, during SBY era, one other thing he used was Airlines diplomacy with Obama. Both Garuda and Lion (eventough is private Airlines) being lobby for more Boeing. Off course it's have commercial calculation. However it's not coincidence when Lion and Boeing signed their big deals, Obama and SBY we're behind them.
So something has to be done from Indonesia side for US procurement or opening Indonesian market more. They have continue preferential access to some of Indonesia Export, and we have to do something else in return, including Government projects like defense.
Trade balance issue with USA is not a big problem as it hasnt even passed 20 billion USD ceiling yet (one of the parameters set by US to target a specific country as a currency manipulator).
WASHINGTON - A key priority for the United States is "rebalancing" trade relations with Asean countries - but Washington prefers bilateral to collective agreements, Ambassador Jeffrey T. Gerrish, Deputy US Trade Representative for Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Industrial Competitiveness...
www.straitstimes.com
You have continue saying that, when the fact saying otherwise. You are entitled to your own opinions, however when you put it on forums especially International ones and moderated like this one, do back it up.
I put the article above shown that US under Trump aim for rebalancing to all ASEAN countries that have trade surplus with them. Rebalancing can be buying more goods from US, or open access for US Companies more in your Economies.
Again, each countries can offer different thing back to US. You can't compare what US want from Vietnam and Malaysia will be the same with what US want from Indonesia as trading Partner. For Indonesia case, what can be offer ? Aside more Beef from US, access for US softwares, usage of more US Telco equipment (which facing big competition from cheaper Chinese, or more efficient Japanese Products), mining access or Government projects including Defense and Aerospace.
US can't sell more cars to us and that's why GM and Ford close their shops here, their electronics can't compete with Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. So, it's left Defense and Aerospace.
Biden will also likely to get more relax over this issue and Trump will leave soon.
Biden will be more polite and tone down compared to more Vulgar Trump. That's what everyone expect and hope. However don't ever think that Biden (just like Obama) will not ask more Economics access to Indonesia including more US export (just like Trump did). His approach will be different, however what he's aim in trade will not much different. It's illogical to think that any US administration on current situation will not ask that. Democrats and Republican both want to reduce trade deficit. If you see all the Congress movement, they both aim that. Their method can be slightly different, however their aim in trade still the same.
Indonesia Economy is bigger than Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam combined. What US aim with Indonesia will be different than what US aim with all three of them, regardless they have bigger surplus.
