TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Trade Ministry says it will immediately retaliate to the anti-dumping import tax by the European Union (EU) aimed at Indonesian CPO biodiesel by imposing high-import taxes for processed milk products from European countries.

“They imposed 8-18 percent tariffs, so I say to be fair, we will also impose a similar tariff when the time comes. So it is best that importers start to seek alternative sources,” said Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita on Friday.

The minister asked importers of European dairy products to start looking for sources other than those from countries in the European Union.

“It’s better for importers to start importing from states such as Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and India,” said Enggartiasto. “There is an unfair treatment that is subjected to us.”

The minister then confirmed that the lack of European alcoholic beverages in Indonesia was not because the products were barred, but rather because no one was importing them.

The European Union announced that Indonesian CPO biodiesel would be subjected to an additional tariff that was imposed since September 6, 2019, and would be definitive in the coming year on January 4.

ANTARA | BISNIS