The export price of Argentine soy-oil has plummeted 21% so far this year, due to new European bio-diesel tariffs and China’s change of policy, putting one of the country's key industries at risk. Argentina is the world's top exporter of soy-oil, which is used to make bio-diesel.
The European Union, the US and Japan have jointly asked the World Trade Organization to rule in a protracted trade dispute with Argentina. They criticize what they believe are unfair import restrictions and protectionism.
Argentina tightened its grip on the country's energy sector on Friday by ordering a tax hike on bio-diesel exports, a move it said was needed to make domestic fuel prices more affordable, but denied market rumours that it will increase a soybean export tax.