EU launches WTO challenge against Indonesian restrictions on raw materials

25 Nov 2019 10:55 AM

The EU has brought a dispute in the World Trade Organization (WTO) against Indonesian export restrictions for raw materials used in production of stainless steel. These restrictions unfairly limit access of EU producers to raw materials for steel production, notably nickel as well as scraps, coal and coke, iron ore and chromium. The EU is also challenging subsidies that encourage use of local content by Indonesian producers and give preference to domestic over imported goods, which goes against WTO rules.

Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström recently said:

“EU steel producers are under a lot of pressure and are suffering from the consequences of global overcapacity and unilateral trade restrictions. The export restrictions imposed by Indonesia put further jobs in the EU's steel industry at risk. Despite our concerted efforts, Indonesia has maintained the measures in place and even announced a new export ban for January 2020. We must now act to ensure that international trade rules are respected. That's why today we are taking a legal action in the WTO to get these measures removed as soon as possible.”

This decision affirms the EU's commitment to resolute and strong enforcement of multilateral and bilateral trade rules where European interests are at stake. It also underlines the EU's continued commitment to the WTO and its dispute settlement system as an impartial and efficient means to get global trade rules upheld and enforced.

The measures that the EU is challenging include:

export restrictions and export prohibitions on raw materials for the production of stainless steel, notably nickel;
domestic processing requirements and domestic marketing obligations, as well as complex and unclear export licensing procedures and requirements affecting access to raw materials such as nickel but also iron, chromium, metal waste and scraps, coal and coke;
an import duty exemption scheme which makes certain benefits for the import of machines, goods and other material for the production process in newly established or modernising factories conditional upon the use of at least 30% of domestic equipment and machinery.

The consultations that the EU has requested are the first step in WTO dispute settlement proceedings. If they do not lead to a satisfactory solution, the EU can request that the WTO set up a panel to rule on the matter.

Background

Currently, the EU is involved in 42 WTO disputes, and 3 disputes under its trade agreements. The disputes brought by the EU have led over the last five years to the removal of discriminatory taxes, illegal customs duties or export restrictions in key markets such as Russia, China, US, and South America and reopening of markets worth €10 billion per year.

For More Information

EU request for WTO consultations with Indonesia

EU action to enforce existing global trade rules

Current trade disputes involving the EU

WTO Dispute Settlement system

Press contact

Daniel ROSARIO

Phone: +32 2 295 61 85

Mail: daniel.rosario@ec.europa.eu

Kinga MALINOWSKA

Phone: +32 2 295 13 83

Mail: Kinga.MALINOWSKA@ec.europa.eu