The UK Government has confirmed it will not impose anti‑subsidy duties on imports of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biodiesel from the United States, despite a Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) finding that the fuel was subsidised and had caused injury to domestic producers.
In its final determination, published on 10 September, the TRA concluded that US‑origin HVO biodiesel benefited from subsidies and recommended fixed countervailing duties ranging from £258.10 to £266.68 per tonne (approximately €302–€312).
Under UK trade‑remedy rules, the TRA must also assess whether applying such duties would be in the UK’s economic interests.
In this case, it found that imposing a countervailing amount would not meet the economic interest test, citing disproportionate costs for downstream businesses, importers and consumers.
After reviewing the TRA’s findings and wider public‑interest considerations, the Secretary of State decided not to apply any anti‑subsidy measure. As a result, no duties will be levied on HVO biodiesel imported from the USA.
The investigation, launched in March 2025, covered biodiesel produced through synthesis or hydrotreatment of non‑fossil oils and fats, whether pure or blended.
Renewable diesel — also known as green diesel — falls within this scope, while synthetic paraffinic kerosene (sustainable aviation fuel) does not.
The UK currently has established FAME biodiesel production but no dedicated HVO manufacturing capacity.
The TRA’s economic interest test forms a mandatory part of most trade‑remedy investigations and assesses whether proposed measures support the broader UK economy.
UK rejects anti‑subsidy duties on US HVO biodiesel following TRA ruling
