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A US soybean trade group is calling for higher tariffs on Chinese used cooking oil, claiming that it is undercutting American crops used for biofuels. The National Oilseed Processors Association (Nopa) wants the levies to be higher than the current 15.5 per cent rate. The group is concerned that the flood of used cooking oil imports from China is weakening demand for US crop-based ingredients used to make renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. This surge in imports is also eroding profits for processors who crush whole soybeans to extract the oil, and is jeopardizing plans to ramp up US crushing capacity. The issue is expected to be discussed with Nopa members this week. President Joe Biden is expected to unveil an increase in some tariffs, but it is not known if the announcement will include used cooking oil. This trade imbroglio sets the stage for possible tension between farm groups and biofuel producers.
