ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia has secured a partial victory at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in its dispute with the European Union over anti-dumping duties imposed on Indonesian fatty acid exports, marking a significant step in Jakarta’s efforts to defend fair market access for its strategic downstream industries.
The WTO Panel’s final report on dispute DS622, published on July 8, 2026, recognized several of Indonesia’s technical claims regarding inconsistencies in the methodology used by European Union authorities to determine dumping margins.
However, the ruling did not grant all of Indonesia’s claims and does not immediately overturn the European Union’s anti-dumping measures against Indonesian fatty acid products.
Indonesia’s Trade Minister Budi Santoso said the government would continue using all available mechanisms following the WTO decision, including trade diplomacy and engagement with international stakeholders, to protect national export interests.
“Indonesia will continue defending the interests of national export commodities. Although the WTO Panel only upheld part of our claims, the government’s focus is to move forward by pursuing all strategic options, including trade diplomacy, to ensure Indonesian fatty acid products are not unfairly restricted in the European market,” Budi Santoso said on July 15, 2026.
The minister said the WTO Panel’s recognition of methodological inconsistencies in the EU’s dumping margin calculation was an important achievement in Indonesia’s efforts to promote a fair, transparent, and rules-based international trading system.
“The decision represents an important milestone in our commitment to ensuring fair treatment for Indonesian products in global trade,” he said.
Protecting Indonesia’s Palm-Based Downstream Industry
Following the WTO ruling, the Indonesian government will strengthen coordination with industry stakeholders to mitigate potential impacts while maintaining the competitiveness of the country’s downstream palm-based sector.
Fatty acid is a key derivative product of palm oil and plays an important role in global supply chains, including oleochemicals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and other industrial applications.
Budi Santoso said the government would continue working with exporters, industry associations, and international trade experts to formulate strategic measures that support business resilience and maintain Indonesia’s competitiveness in global markets.
“The legal efforts and trade advocacy carried out in this dispute are the result of strong cooperation between government institutions, the private sector, industry associations, and international legal experts. This collaboration will continue to be strengthened to secure market access for Indonesia’s strategic commodities,” he said.
Indonesia Strengthens Global Trade Diplomacy
Indonesia filed the DS622 dispute after the European Union imposed anti-dumping duties on Indonesian fatty acid imports, which Jakarta argued were inconsistent with WTO rules and principles.
The dispute highlights Indonesia’s broader efforts to protect exporters amid rising global trade barriers, evolving regulatory standards, and increasing competition in international markets.
The Ministry of Trade will continue consultations with the national fatty acid industry to develop market adjustment strategies and support exporters in maintaining and expanding access to European markets.
“We will conduct comprehensive coordination with industry players and assist businesses in developing strategies to restore and maintain export performance in Europe,” Budi Santoso said.
Going forward, Indonesia will continue strengthening trade diplomacy, expanding bilateral and multilateral economic partnerships, and ensuring that national industries remain competitive within the global trading system. (AT Network)
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