Jakarta, July 31 -- The Ministry of Industry has urged companies, especially those in the apparel, footwear, furniture, and electrical equipment sectors, to boost their products' competitiveness and utilization to push up exports to the United States (US).

The ministry's spokesperson, Febri Hendri Antoni Arif, here on Thursday, urged domestic industry players to take advantage of the 19 percent tariff imposed on Indonesian products entering the US market, saying the rate is more competitive compared to other countries.

"Industrial companies that currently export their products to the US, especially those in the apparel, footwear, furniture, and electrical equipment sectors, should start increasing their production utilization, increasin...