THE European Biodiesel Board
(EBB) has lodged a formal complaint
against what it claims is
unfair competition from the US.
The EBB said it had formally
lodged a complaint to the European
Commission and called for
duties on so-called B99 biodiesel
exports.
The news came just three
weeks after Teesside-based D1
Oils announced a £46.1m loss and
said it planned to close its refining
business in Middlesbrough,
with the loss of 40 jobs, because
of cheap US imports of biodiesel.
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In effect, "B99" subsidies are
given to US producers for fuel
that is 99 per cent biofuel and up
to one per cent mineral diesel.
They then receive European
subsidies when it is exported.
That means US producers can
sell their fuel in the UK for 11p a
litre, about half the price it costs
UK companies to produce it.
It is understood that former
Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson,
now the EU trade commissioner,
has held talks with Susan
Schwab, the US federal trade representative,
but the pair have
failed to reach a deal.
A spokesman for Mr Mandelson
said: "We've had extensive
contacts with the EBB over several
months. We're glad that they
have finally submitted their request
and will examine it thoroughly,
pursuing the issue vigorously
with the US. We will not
tolerate unfair trade."
The commission has 45 days to
examine the EBB complaint.
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