The European Commission is preparing to introduce provisional anti-subsidy duties (ranging from 8 to 18%) on biodiesel imports from Indonesia by mid-August.
In taking this action, the Commission hopes to counter what it considers to be unfair subsidies introduced by Indonesia.
Nine months after the Commission opened its anti-subsidy investigation, following a complaint from the European Biodiesel Board (EBB), it is expected to submit a draft implementing act comprising four different import duties applicable to Indonesian biodiesel producers: 8% for Ciliandra Perkasa, 15.7% for Wilmar Group, 16.3% for Musim Mas Group and 18% for Permata Group. The decision is expected to apply from 6 September.
The definitive duties, which will apply for five years following an investigation, are expected to be set in early January 2020.
The Commission opened an investigation after the World Trade Organisation (WTO) cancelled the anti-dumping duties that had been imposed on Indonesian biodiesel since 2013 at an average rate of 18.9% (see EUROPE 12154/24).
The European Commission believes that Indonesian producers have benefited from subsidies in the form of export financing, tax relief and the supply of palm oil at artificially low prices.
Anti-dumping duties on Argentinian biodiesel production were also lifted by the WTO, but in January the EU accepted an offer from Argentinian exporters (a limit on volumes sold in the EU). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)