EU to oppose Chinese shoe tax

15 of 27 EU member states voted to end anti-dumping duties on Chinese leather shoes. The EU panel's decision is seen as good news for Chinese shoe makers. But the Chinese government says there is still uncertainty in the case.

15 votes against, 10 votes in support and 2 votes abandoned. Most EU state members reject a European Commission proposal to extend dumping duties on shoes from China for another 15 months.

But the decision is not final. The EU will make its final ruling December 22nd at a ministers meeting. Their conclusion will take effect January 3rd.

Zhou Xiaoyan, Official of Ministry of Commerce, said, "The EU commission will submit both the proposed extension of anti-dumping duties and the polling result to the EU Council of Ministers. The minister's final ruling is lawful."

Zhou xiaoyan says the Chinese government welcomes the initial result. But given the current trade situation between China and the EU, the final result is still uncertain.

Zhou also said, "There are different voices in the EU commission. Some member states hope to extend the anti-dumping duties on Chinese imported shoes. It's too early to celebrate the victory."

While the Chinese government waits for the final ruling, Chinese shoe makers are encouraged by the result.