diff --git a/icu4j/eclipse-build/pdebuild/build.properties b/icu4j/eclipse-build/pdebuild/build.properties
index 2116aac55e0..00b3b3dff7a 100644
--- a/icu4j/eclipse-build/pdebuild/build.properties
+++ b/icu4j/eclipse-build/pdebuild/build.properties
@@ -216,7 +216,7 @@ javacVerbose=true
 compilerArg=-inlineJSR -enableJavadoc -encoding UTF-8
 
 # Default value for the version of the source code. This value is used when compiling plug-ins that do not set the Bundle-RequiredExecutionEnvironment or set javacSource in build.properties
-javacSource=1.6
+javacSource=1.7
 
 # Default value for the version of the byte code targeted. This value is used when compiling plug-ins that do not set the Bundle-RequiredExecutionEnvironment or set javacTarget in build.properties.
 javacTarget=1.7