Indonesia has urged the European Union to lift its biodiesel import restrictions following a favorable ruling by a World Trade Organization (WTO) panel. The panel found that the EU’s countervailing duties—ranging from 8% to 18% since 2019—violated WTO rules by lacking objective evidence of injury to European producers. The European Commission had claimed Indonesian biodiesel benefited from state subsidies, but the WTO concluded that the EU’s investigation failed to meet required standards. Although the ruling is technically open to appeal, the WTO’s appellate body is currently non-functional, leaving the decision effectively final. Trade Minister Budi Santoso emphasized Indonesia’s adherence to global trade norms and called for the immediate removal of the duties. The ruling comes amid broader trade developments between Indonesia and the EU, including a planned tariff-rate quota allowing 1 million tons of crude palm oil imports annually at zero tariff. Indonesia's Chief Economic Affairs Minister, Airlangga Hartarto, highlighted the EU’s importance as a market for Indonesian biodiesel and palm oil, expressing optimism that the WTO decision could boost exports. According to Gapki, Indonesia’s palm oil exports rose to $17.3 billion in the first half of 2025, with a notable increase in EU-bound shipments in June. However, biodiesel exports to the EU remained halted as of mid-year, pending resolution of the trade dispute.Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/indonesia-urges-eu-to-lift-biodiesel-import-curbs-after-wto-panel-backs-jakarta  (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: Jakarta Globe, 25 August 2025