EU rejects extension of Chinese shoe duties

A key panel of European Union trade officials has voted to reject a European Commission proposal to extend dumping duties on shoes from China.

During the voting, 15 member states opposed the plan, 10 supported the Commission, and two countries abstained. In October last year, the Commission extended duties of up to 16.5 percent on imports of Chinese leather shoes. The panel concluded that the duties were hurting European consumers by forcing them to pay higher prices.

The EU's executive Commission still intends to put the proposal to a vote of ministers next month despite the defeat in the anti-dumping committee.

Reaction:

UK retailers want shoe tax dropped

On Thursday, the European Commission will decide on whether to extend anti-dumping duties on leather shoes made in China. The duties have been effective for three years. The British Retail Consortium has said that local retailers strongly demand the revocation of the punitive duties. Full story >>

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. Full story >>