The European Union introduced significant new trade defence measures against Canadian biofuels on 18 June, with duties set to take effect the following day. The action, targeting various biofuel blends across multiple tariff chapters, represented the most impactful change in a busy day for the TARIC that saw over 570 total updates. The bulk of the remaining activity consisted of new and updated preferential rates, particularly for agricultural goods from Mercosur countries, alongside routine adjustments for fruit and vegetable tariffs.
The themes
Regulatory activity on 18 June was marked by a dual focus: targeted protectionism in the energy sector and broad liberalisation in agriculture. With 82 records related to trade defence, the introduction of new duties against Canada was a significant tightening of import controls. In contrast, the day's largest volume of changes—over 450 records—involved preferential tariffs, reflecting the ongoing implementation and management of trade agreements. This activity was heavily concentrated in agricultural chapters, with edible fruit, nuts, vegetables, and oils accounting for the majority of all changes detected.
Headline items
The most significant development was the publication of new anti-dumping measures against imports of certain biofuel blends from Canada. The measures, detailed in Regulation R1341/26, apply to a range of products including fatty-acid mono-alkyl esters (FAME) and paraffinic gasoils of non-fossil origin, classified under HS chapters 15, 27, and 38.
While several rates apply to different exporters, the highest duty was set at 237.00 EUR per tonne. This action impacts 14 distinct commodity lines originating in Canada.
Separately, a validity change was recorded for an existing anti-dumping duty on certain flat-rolled steel products from China (HS 7212506185), with a top rate of 27.900%. Relatedly, tariff quotas for the same steel product were updated for imports from Taiwan, India, the United Kingdom, and Viet Nam.
Coming into force
A number of changes took effect on 18 June, including:
- New preferential rates for Mercosur: Under Decision D0183/26, new preferential duties came into force for a variety of goods, including potatoes, olives, and several vegetable oils for technical or industrial use. Rates were established at levels such as 4.000% and 5.100%.
- Turkish Grapes: A 0.000% preferential rate for certain grapes from Türkiye also became effective.
Of the 112 future-dated measures loaded, the most critical are the new duties on Canadian biofuels. These measures were published on 18 June with an effective date of 19 June 2026, giving importers minimal lead time to adapt.
What to watch
The immediate implementation of duties on Canadian biofuels will require swift action from importers in the energy and chemical sectors to ensure compliance and manage costs. The high volume of adjustments in the fruit, vegetable, and edible oils space, while more routine, underscores the dynamic nature of agricultural tariffs and the importance of monitoring preferential arrangements, particularly with partners like Mercosur.