TRA publishes final determination on HVO biodiesel from the USA
The TRA has published its final determination in the HVO biodiesel investigation, following the Secretary of State’s decision.
The Trade Remedies Authority has today (Thursday 10 September) published its final determination in its subsidy investigation into imports of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biodiesel from the USA.
The TRA found that imported HVO from the USA was subsidised and caused injury to the UK industry. The TRA recommended a fixed duty of between £258.10 and £266.68 per tonne on these imports. Where the TRA recommends final measures to the Secretary of State, it is then required to assess whether applying a countervailing amount would be in the UK’s economic interests. This informs the Secretary of State’s decision on whether to accept the TRA’s recommendation. In this case, the TRA found that applying such an amount would not be in the UK’s economic interests
After considering the recommendation and wider public interest matters, the Secretary of State decided not to apply an anti-subsidy measure.
No anti-subsidy duties will be applied to imports of HVO from the USA.
Background Information
- This investigation, launched on 17 March 2025, covers biodiesel (or paraffinic diesel fuel / gasoil) obtained from synthesis or hydrotreatment of oils and fats of non-fossil origin, in pure form or as included in a blend, originating in the United States of America (USA). This biodiesel is also commonly known as renewable diesel or green diesel. Synthetic paraffinic kerosene (also known as sustainable aviation fuel) is excluded from this description of biodiesel.
- The UK has an established (FAME) biodiesel production industry but does not have dedicated HVO production.
- This case has an investigation period of 1 January to 31 December 2024 and an injury period of 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2024.
- The economic interest test (EIT) forms part of the TRA’s process for investigating trade practices which may be causing injury to UK industry. It is required to conduct an EIT in almost all investigations and reviews where it recommends imposing or extending a measure. Further information on the EIT can be found in our guidance.
- Full case details are available on the TRA’s public file.