Indonesia’s Cargo Pileup Shows How Protectionism Can Bite

Indonesia just walked back import restrictions on a swathe of products following backlash from companies and consumers, in a cautionary tale for countries resorting to protectionist policies to produce more goods onshore.

The rules, which were implemented just in March, had quickly choked supply chains in Southeast Asia’s largest economy, with more than 26,000 containers piling up in major ports because of the additional permits and lengthier inspections for importers. Apple MacBooks, Michelin tires and chemicals were just among some of the goods running low due to the curbs.