As of this week, the European Commission is introducing surveillance of imports into the EU of renewable fuel ethanol (bioethanol).
According to the commission, in the context of the economic downturn caused by Covid-19, imports of bioethanol have significantly increased in the last number of months, at low prices.
Executive vice-president and Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, said: “Our economies are still affected by the consequences of the pandemic and our recovery process should not be stalled by the distortive trade practices of third countries.
“This is why we must closely monitor any trade developments that potentially arise from unfair competition.
“This is the case with bioethanol today, but other industries may soon also require import surveillance so they can be better shielded from these unwelcome practices.”
The data will be made publically available and should help industries to have a “better overview of the situation in their sector”, along with fact-based information to help them “explore the need for further actions”.
Background
The introduction of surveillance follows a request made by France on behalf of the European bioethanol industry. The industry has provided “sufficient information” showing that there was a “recent and significant increase of imports”, and indications that these imports would cause economic injury.
The implementing act, endorsed by member states and published this week, provides for surveillance from all countries of origin for a period of one year. The import statistics will we made available on the commission’s website on a monthly basis.
As other EU industries may face comparable situations, the commission says it remains open to examining any other requests for surveillance.