WTO Sets Up Dispute Panel in Indonesia's Case Against EU's CVD on Biodiesel

The World Trade Organization's Dispute Settlement Body on Nov. 27 agreed to Indonesia's request to set up a dispute panel to review the EU's countervailing duties on biodiesel from Indonesia, the WTO announced. The EU said it believes its duties "are fully justified, adding that it is confident its measures will be declared in line with WTO law," the WTO said. The U.S., the U.K., Norway, Russia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, China, Canada, Argentina and Turkey reserved their third party rights to take part in the panel proceedings.

Also during the DSB meeting, Antigua and Barbuda said 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the start of its complaint against U.S. measures affecting the cross-border supply of gambling and betting services. The Caribbean nation said it will propose a "substantive agenda item" at the next DSB meeting to "brief members more fully on this case" and learn what compliance actions the U.S. has taken or intends to take. The dispute is the "poster child" for reform due to the brokenness of the WTO's dispute settlement function, Antigua and Barbuda said.

The next DSB meeting will be held Dec. 18.