Trade Commission Imposes Duties on Biodiesel Imports from Argentina and Indonesia

Senator Grassley Comments on $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax credit

This week, the U.S. International Trade Commission found there was enough evidence of injury to U.S. producers to justify sanctions, and the panel approved duties on imports of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia by a 4-0 vote. This critical step allows the Commerce Department to issue final countervailing duties which will be in the range of 72 percent on imports from Argentina and 35 to 65 percent on imports from Indonesia. Importers have already been required to post cash deposits based on those rates.

Also, Sen. Grassley (R-IA) indicated recently that the $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax credit that expired in 2016 will likely be included in the tax extenders package currently being assembled. However, he mentioned no specifics on whether it will be a blender or producer credit. Given the ITC decision, arguments that the credit should be moved to the producer level have lost momentum.

PMAA is working to ensure that the tax credit remains at the blender level.