When we at tr3maxs.com, a general trading company based in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, joined the IAPEX 2025 webinar titled “Unlocking Australia – Export, Investment & Collaboration Opportunities in the IA-CEPA Era”, we didn’t hear any direct mention of cigarettes or tobacco products.
But that didn’t stop us from paying attention.
In fact, what we learned made us even more confident that Indonesian cigarettes could fill a unique demand in the Australian market — especially for niche distributors and retailers looking to expand their offerings.
What Makes Indonesian Cigarettes Unique?
Indonesia is home to some of the world’s most distinctive tobacco products, especially kretek, a clove cigarette that combines rich tobacco with aromatic spices. These hand-rolled or machine-made cigarettes are unlike anything commonly sold in Australia.
While regulations differ between countries, we believe there is room in Australia for specialty imports that cater to:
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Ethnic grocery stores or Asian market retailers
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Niche tobacco collectors or enthusiasts
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Tourists and expats familiar with Indonesian products
IA-CEPA: A Doorway for Importers and Exporters
The webinar reminded us how the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) has created preferential trade access between the two countries. This framework reduces tariffs, simplifies export documentation, and opens channels for direct business matching.
Although tobacco is a sensitive product category, IA-CEPA opens doors for licensed, niche importation — provided the distributor understands the regulatory landscape.
That’s where we come in. At tr3maxs.com, we’re not just exporters — we’re collaborators. We’re looking to work with importers who know the market, or want to explore it with us.
What We Took Away from the IAPEX Webinar
Even though cigarettes weren’t on the official agenda, here’s what the IAPEX 2025 webinar helped us realize:
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Australia is open to new, high-quality products — especially when there’s a cultural connection.
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There’s strong institutional support for Indonesia–Australia trade, including from government agencies.
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Business matching programs are happening, and we’re preparing to be part of them.
Let’s Explore This Opportunity Together
If you are an Australian importer, wholesaler, or distributor interested in:
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Unique tobacco products from Indonesia
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Direct sourcing through a reliable trading partner
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Navigating IA-CEPA opportunities in a niche category
Then let’s talk.
At tr3maxs.com, we’re actively exploring export routes for Indonesian-made cigarettes — and we’re looking for the right partners to make it happen.
📩 Get in touch with us today to discuss availability, compliance, and potential collaboration.