The UK has officially imposed new anti-dumping duties on imported biodiesel from China.
The Secretary of State for Business & Trade, on November 24, 2025, accepted the Trade Remedies Authority's (TRA) final recommendation to apply new definitive anti-dumping duties on biodiesel imports originating from China. This decision, which came into effect on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, marks the conclusion of an extensive investigation launched in June 2024 following an application by the Renewable Transport Fuels Association (RTFA).
The TRA's investigation determined that Chinese biodiesel was being "dumped" in the UK market—a practice that was found to be causing "material injury" to UK-based producers, including major industry players such as Argent Energy and Olleco.
The new measures are structured as ad valorem duties, which are calculated as a percentage of the value of the imported goods. The rates vary based on the level of cooperation shown by the exporting companies during the investigation:
• 14.79% for the Zhuoyue Group and other non-sampled cooperating exporters.
• 54.64% for all other exporters from China.
The application of these duties is broad, covering key types of biodiesel: fatty-acid mono-alkylesters (FAME) and paraffinic gasoils obtained from synthesis or hydrotreatment of non-fossil origin (HVO), whether imported in pure form or as part of a blend. This move aims to secure fair competition across the renewable road transport fuel sector.
Crucially, in a nod to future sustainability goals, the duties explicitly exclude sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), in pure form or in a blend.
The final recommendation by the TRA confirmed that applying an anti-dumping measure is decisively in the UK's economic interest. The authority's findings were based on a thorough analysis of evidence and responses from interested parties following the publication of the Statement of Essential Facts.
By raising the cost floor for these particular Chinese imports, the UK government is signaling a commitment to protecting domestic manufacturing capacity and fostering a stable investment environment for companies dedicated to the renewable fuel market. The move is expected to maintain a level playing field, encouraging sustainable growth and investment within the UK's green economy. The duties are set to apply for a period of five years, ensuring long-term protection for the domestic industry.
