EUROPEAN UNION ‑ CERTAIN MEASURES CONCERNING
PALM OIL AND OIL PALM CROP‑BASED BIOFUELS

REQUEST TO JOIN CONSULTATIONS

Communication from Argentina

The following communication, dated 24 December 2019, from the delegation of Argentina to the delegation of the European Union and the delegation of Indonesia, is circulated to the Dispute Settlement Body in accordance with Article 4.11 of the DSU.

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Pursuant to Article 4.11 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU), the Government of the Argentine Republic hereby notifies the European Union, Indonesia and the Dispute Settlement Body that, in light of its substantial trade interest in the matter, it wishes to join the consultations with the European Union that were requested by Indonesia in its communication of 16 December 2019 entitled European Union – Certain measures concerning palm oil and oil palm crop‑based biofuels (WT/DS593/1).

In 2018 and 2019, Argentina was the main source of biodiesel exports to the European Union (41.5% of that market's total imports in 2018) and therefore considers that it has a substantial trade interest in this dispute. Argentina also has a systemic interest in the proper interpretation and application of the TBT Agreement, particularly insofar as this can affect trade in agricultural products and products that are sources of renewable energy.

In view of this substantial trade interest, and mindful of the rights and obligations of WTO Members under Article 4.11 of the DSU, Argentina looks forward to receiving your reply, together with details regarding the date and venue of the consultations.