FX.co ★ Indonesia Pushes EU to Lift Biodiesel Duties After WTO Ruling

On Monday, Indonesia's Trade Ministry called on the European Union to eliminate the countervailing duties imposed on biodiesel imports following a favorable ruling from the World Trade Organization on several crucial issues in their ongoing dispute. The EU, which ranks as Indonesia’s third-largest market for palm oil and a significant market for biodiesel, has been imposing duties ranging from 8% to 18% since 2019. These duties were justified by claims that Indonesian producers benefit from various subsidies, such as grants, tax incentives, and access to inexpensive raw materials. In response, Indonesia lodged a complaint in 2023, contending that these measures violated WTO regulations. Trade Minister Budi Santoso emphasized, "We call on the EU to promptly revoke these countervailing duties, as they contravene WTO principles." He added that the decision underscores Indonesia's adherence to international trade laws. The ministry highlighted the WTO's findings that Indonesia's export duty and levy on palm oil do not constitute subsidies and noted the EU's inability to demonstrate that biodiesel imports posed any significant threat to European producers.