Chinese shoe makers welcome EU decision

The EU panel's decision has been welcomed as good news for Chinese shoe makers. They hope it will mark the beginning of a recovery for Chinese footwear exports to Europe.

Xie Rongfang, Vice Director of Wenzhou Footware & Leather Assoc. said "Shoe makers in Wenzhou have all welcomed the EU's decision. It is the first time a panel of trade officials has opposed the levy since the EU launched anti-dumping duties on Chinese shoes three years ago. In the past three years, our exports to Europe have dropped sharply. In 2006, we sold 23 million pairs of shoes in Europe. But in the first nine months of 2009, we only sold only 9 million pairs. That's a 35 percent decline compared to the same period of last year."

The EU will make its final ruling on December 22nd. The Wenzhou shoe body said it will launch an appeal if the EU decides to extend the duties.