U.S. to launch probe into Argentina, Indonesia biodiesel imports

WASHINGTON, April 13 (Reuters) - The U.S. Commerce Department said on Thursday it was starting an investigation into imports of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia for possible dumping and subsidization.

The department said in a statement that the U.S. International Trade Commission was scheduled to make a preliminary decision by May 8 on whether such imports injured U.S. producers.

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from vegetable or animal fats, is typically blended with petroleum-based diesel and is produced in more than 30 U.S. states, the statement said. (Reporting by Eric Walsh; Editing by Eric Beech)