Recently, Indonesia passed new laws known as Indonesian Kratom Regulations on the export of kratom. These laws will go into effect soon, so what does it mean for kratom users in the United States?
That’s what ShopKetum is here to tell you. Keep reading to learn about the new kratom trade regulations, how they will change the domestic kratom market, and how they might impact your use of the beneficial plant in 2025 and beyond.
What Are the New Indonesian Kratom Regulations?
Earlier in 2024, the Indonesian government passed the Indonesian Kratom Regulations law to regulate the handling and trade of kratom. Their goal is to increase the quality of kratom, reduce contaminants, and add marketability to their exports.
As the Director General of Foreign Trade, Isy Karim said, “Kratom exports must comply with predetermined standards in order to increase added value and provide legal certainty.”
Because of this, export requirements will be more strict, but it also means less likelihood of contamination from heavy metals, microbiological contaminants, and adulteration. That part is a great thing for kratom users in the United States.
ss=”rank-math-highlight” style=”background-color: #fee894″>The Indonesian Kratom Regulations are designed to ensure safer kratom products for users in the U.S. by imposing stricter standards.
The problem is that the Indonesian Kratom Regulations will greatly increase the price of exports. Not only does it mean less kratom will make it outside of Indonesia, but India is buying around 50% of kratom. This greatly restricts the amount of kratom that will make it into the U.S. at all.
So, what does that mean for kratom vendors in the United States?
The new Indonesian Kratom Regulations also aim to protect local farmers while meeting international standards.
How Indonesia’s Regulations Impact Kratom Vendors
The first people to become impacted by this law are likely the farmers, who’ve been cultivating kratom in the Bali region of Indonesia for generations. Some of them won’t be able to export their products at all, and others will have a slower, more expensive export process.
This, in turn, impacts kratom vendors worldwide. In fact, only a few kratom vendors will be able to regularly and continuously be allowed to import kratom from Indonesia.
You might be thinking, “Just get kratom from somewhere else.”
Well, that might be what happens eventually, but as much as 90% of current kratom products originate in Indonesia. That means finding suppliers outside of the country is near impossible, and since kratom trees take years to grow that problem won’t end anytime soon.
The result for kratom vendors will be higher import costs, sometimes by as much as 50% higher or even more. This strains businesses, particularly smaller kratom vendors, which is why it’s expected to put many smaller kratom vendors out of business for good.
To stay in business, many vendors will be forced to increase their prices. Otherwise, they’ll be losing money at their 2024 prices.
Since ShopKetum is a larger, established vendor, we don’t expect many changes or any at all. That means you’ll still be able to get your favorite Green Maeng Da or Red Bali Kratom from us at the prices you expect.
But some of our peers are bound to encounter hardships, and our thoughts are with them as these new regulations go into effect.
As a result of the Indonesian Kratom Regulations, you may experience changes in pricing and availability of kratom products.
But, what do these Indonesian Kratom Regulations mean to you, the kratom consumer?
What to Expect as a Kratom Consumer
Well, as a kratom consumer, the outlook isn’t great. However, we’ll show you why there’s no reason to worry too much.
Prices Will Go Up With Many Vendors
It’s true that prices will go up with many vendors. After all, less supply, more demand, and higher import costs could all skyrocket prices. This is especially true with smaller vendors, who can’t afford the higher importing prices and quantities.
Luckily, vendors like ShopKetum will still be offering the same prices for lab-tested premium kratom products.
Crushed Leaf Will Be Hard to Find
Since Indonesian imports of kratom will have to have particle sizes below 600 microns, crushed leaf kratom may become much harder to find. While less popular than powder, crushed leaf is exceptional for tea and other uses.
ShopKetum offers potent Raw Leaf Kratom Tablets made from crushed leaf kratom, and we anticipate still offering these new tablets into 2025!
No More Cheap, Low-Quality Kratom
While on a budget, cheap and low-quality kratom products can do in a pinch. However, they aren’t as potent and have a higher likelihood of contaminants. This is especially true of the low-quality kratom products you can generally find in smoke shops and gas stations.
Currently, Indonesian farmers are trying to export these types of low-quality products at a rapid rate, knowing that they might not be able to do so starting next year.
Moving forward, these products are bound to decrease, possibly even disappearing eventually. We see this as a good thing, but for some consumers, it might change their habits.
Conclusion
These new Indonesian Kratom Regulations may seem scary and are certainly going to impact the kratom market, but we’re here to let you know that it will be alright. While there might be some changes to your kratom buying habits, ShopKetum is here to offer the same quality products for the same exceptional prices.
richie
Love the new raw leaf tabs!