After more than three years of international litigation, the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO) confirmed today the legitimacy of Argentina’s claims against the anti-dumping measures imposed by the EU on biodiesel imports from Argentina.
In November 2013, the EU had imposed an anti-dumping measure (an additional tariff) that prevented the access of biodiesel from Argentina —at the time, the main supplier— into the European market. The measure represented an annual loss in exports equivalent to almost USD 1.6 billion.
Argentina immediately brought proceedings before the WTO dispute settlement body, alleging that the European measure was unlawful. In March 2016, a WTO panel of experts issued a first report, in which it found —in line with Argentina’s allegations— that the European measure violated multilateral regulations. Although that first report was appealed, today the world’s highest international authority in trade dispute settlements ruled again in favour of Argentina.
The Argentine Foreign Ministry welcomes this important outcome in favour of the interests of the Argentine Republic, as well as the fact that Argentina’s position prevailed thanks to the work of an Argentine team made up of public and private sector representatives, including experts from the Foreign Ministry who worked jointly with experts from the private exporting sector. This achievement demonstrates the importance of coordinating efforts between the Government and the private sector and evidences the firm determination of the Argentine Foreign Ministry to ensure, through all available means, the access of highly competitive Argentine products to international markets in order to promote national development.
Finally, as the new report has been issued in an appellate review process, Argentina urges the EU to implement the findings and conclusions contained in it without delay and to order the prompt re-opening of the European market to biodiesel imports from Argentina.
Press Release No. 330/16
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