In a move which could trigger a new transatlantic trade row, the European Biodiesel Board (EBB) said it was formally requsting the EU's executive Commission to hit U.S. imports with anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties due to unfair subsidies.
"Since 2007, as a result of these measures, there has been a dramatic surge in U.S. biodiesel exports to the EU, thus creating a severe injury to the EU biodiesel industry," the EBB said in a statement....The European industry has long complained that U.S. subisidies for "B99" biodiesel, which is blended with small amounts of mineral diesel, break World Trade Organisation rules.
And right back at you from the U.S.:
"It is hypocritical for the European Biodiesel Board to cry foul while they benefit from a blatant trade barrier," said Manning Feraci, vice president of federal affairs at the National Biodiesel Board.He said EU biodiesel fuel specifications were discriminatory and inconsistent with WTO rules."Our industry will be asking the U.S. Trade Representative to take action where appropriate on this and any other EU member state biofuel policy that is meant to confer special protection or treatment to European biodiesel producers," he said.
