A World Trade Organization (WTO) panel has ruled in favor of Indonesia on several key points in its dispute with the European Union over countervailing duties imposed on Indonesian biodiesel exports. Indonesia initiated the complaint in 2023, arguing that the EU's duties violated WTO rules under the Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) Agreement. The panel concluded that the EU's measures were inconsistent with its obligations and recommended that they be brought into compliance. Biodiesel, primarily derived from palm oil, is a major export for Indonesia, which is the world’s largest palm oil producer. The EU remains a critical market for these products, ranking as Indonesia’s third-largest destination for palm oil-based goods. However, while the panel’s findings support Indonesia’s claims, the dispute remains unresolved due to the non-functioning status of the WTO’s Appellate Body. Since 2019, the appeals mechanism has been paralyzed by the United States' refusal to approve new judges, effectively preventing any final resolution of contested rulings. This legal vacuum means that although Indonesia has won a favorable decision, the EU retains the option to appeal—knowing that no appellate review can currently take place. The case underscores broader challenges in global trade governance and the strategic importance of biodiesel in Indonesia’s export portfolio.Source: https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2025/08/23/wto-panel-backs-indonesia-on-several-counts-in-biodiesel-row-with-eu.html (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: The Jakarta Post, 23 August 2025