The European Commission decided not to renew anti-dumping duties on European Union imports of U.S. ethanol. In making the announcement, the Commission reported it had found no evidence that warranted continuation of those duties and that their removal would not encourage dumping in the European Union.

The European Commission first initiated anti-dumping proceedings regarding U.S. ethanol imports in 2011, following a complaint lodged by ePure, the European ethanol association on behalf of a group of European ethanol producers. In February 2013, the commission announced a 62.90 euro per metric ton duty would be allied to all imports of ethanol from the U.S. that were aimed art the fuel market for five years. The anti-dumping duties were to expire in February 2018, however on Feb. 20, 2018, the commission announced it was initiating an expiry review of anti-dumping measures of U.S. ethanol – Ethanol Producer Magazine

U.S. ethanol supporters praised the decision, with Craig Willis, senior vice president of global markets for Growth Energy saying, "By removing unjustified duties on U.S. ethanol, the commission is opening critical new opportunities for member states to take full advantage of affordable, low-carbon biofuels. It’s a win-win for our EU trading partners, who will be better positioned to meet their environmental goals while holding down prices for European drivers." – Feedstuffs

The European ethanol association, ePURE, said “the decision is harmful for the domestic ethanol industry and the entire value chain that depends on it.” Most market participants had expected the duty to be removed. – S&P Global Platts