EU debates anti-dumping tax

The EU decided to levy anti-dumping duties of up to 16.5 percent on imported Chinese shoes three years ago.

It said the measures were meant to protect importers and retailers in some southern European countries. Facing strong protests within the body, however, the EU slashed the term of the levy from five years to two. Although the measures were designed to expire within two years, in October 2008 the European Commission launched a review of whether to extend them. In the face of opposition from some EU nations, the commission chose to extend the duties for another 15 months, instead of the usual five years.

According to EU anti-dumping regulations, the decision to impose or extend anti-dumping duties needs the approval of more than half of the 27 member nations.