UK biodiesel industry criticizes rejection of tariffs on US imports

UK biodiesel industry: The UK biodiesel industry comprises domestic producers of renewable fuels, including hydrotreated vegetable oil, used in transport and other energy applications. It is relevant because industry representatives criticised the UK government’s decision not to impose recommended anti-subsidy duties on US HVO imports, which the Trade Remedies Authority found had benefited from subsidies and harmed UK producers. Trade remedy: The UK Trade Remedies Authority recommended countervailing measures on US-origin HVO after finding subsidisation and material injury to domestic biodiesel producers, but the government rejected the recommendation on wider economic-interest grounds. Industry concern: The Renewable Transport Fuel Association warned that allowing subsidised US HVO to enter without additional duties could put UK biodiesel production at risk. Policy rationale: The government said imposing duties could create disproportionate costs for downstream businesses, importers and consumers, and therefore decided not to apply an anti-subsidy measure.