UK launches anti-dumping probe into US-origin HVO

Market: Biofuels
17/03/25

The UK today began an anti-dumping investigation into hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) from the US.

An application for the investigation was lodged by the UK Renewable Transport Fuel Association (RTFA) and UK-based biofuels producers Greenergy, Argent Energy and Olleco.

The goods subject to investigation are "biodiesel obtained from synthesis or hydrotreatment of oils and fats of non-fossil origin, in pure form or as included in a blend". The UK trade remedies authority (TRA) specified that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is excluded from this definition.

The investigation period spans from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024. During this time, the applicants allege HVO was imported into the UK at prices below the "normal value". They say this alleged dumping led to an actual and potential decline in production, domestic sales, and profitability.

The UK removed transposed EU anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of HVO from the US and Canada in 2022. The EU first imposed anti-dumping duties for US-origin HVO in 2009, and the current duties are in place until August 2026.

Those in the market said the effect of the UK investigation is being mitigated by proposed guidance on the US 45Z clean fuel production credits released earlier this year. This has already slowed discussions around new imports of US-origin HVO into T1 duty markets.

The guidance does not allow US producers to claim the tax credit using imported used cooking oil (UCO), meaning US supply of UCO-based HVO could decrease or be reserved for the domestic market, participants said. HVO, or renewable diesel, is a drop-in biofuel that can go well beyond the European 7pc blend wall for biodiesel.

UK HVO consumption increased by 38pc on the year in 2024 to 699mn l, according to the latest provisional release of UK Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation statistics. This was mostly due to increased imports of US-origin HVO, according to market participants.

Interested parties must register by 1 April, after which they will be able to submit comments.

The TRA aims to make a final recommendation in March 2026.

By Evelina Lungu

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