EU Launches Investigation into Chinese Biodiesel Imports Amid Dumping Concerns
The European Union will begin an anti-dumping investigation into biodiesel imports from China, which the bloc’s industry said has slashed domestic production.
In August, it began investigating whether biodiesel from Indonesia was circumventing EU duties by going through China and Britain.
The latest investigation, Reuters reported, prompted by a complaint from producer group the European Biodiesel Board (EBB), will cover the period from October 1, 2022 to September 30 last year.
The probe will take up to 14 months.
“EU producers have submitted evidence of biodiesel imports from China coming into the EU at artificially low prices and claim that these imports are seriously harming their industry because they cannot compete with such low prices,” the European Commission said in a statement.
China has been the biggest biodiesel exporter to the 27-member bloc in 2023, the EBB said in a separate statement.
“In 2023, Chinese dumped imports have caused a collapse in the market and production sites closed in several member states,” the EBB added.
In addition to the possible transit of Indonesian biodiesel, there were structural imbalances in biodiesel trade with China, with prices not reflecting the advanced or waste-based biofuel categories that most cargoes have been classified as, it said.
Related Article: Scania Launches Biodiesel Pilot in Côte d’Ivoire, Slashing Emissions and Creating Jobs
China “firmly opposes protectionist behaviour that abuses trade remedy measures,” Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Shu Jueting said when asked about the investigation at a regular press conference.
The ESG News Editorial Team is comprised of veteran financial journalists and sustainability analysts dedicated to providing real-time, objective reporting on global ESG regulations, climate finance, and corporate governance. Our desk monitors daily developments from the SEC, IFRS, CSRD and international regulatory bodies to ensure our 1M+ readers receive accurate, data-driven insights into the evolving sustainable investment landscape. Follow the ESG News Editorial Team for expert reporting on global sustainability standards, ESG disclosures, and climate policy. Access over 10,000 investigative reports and real-time updates.
