European shoe duties

The decision to impose protective duties on imports of leather shoes from China and Vietnam into the European Union has been slammed by leading footwear retailers, importers and trade groups as a costly economic exercise. But just how real are fears of price hikes, job losses and even suggestions that the move will pave the way for import tariffs on other goods from China? Leonie Barrie reports.

Are EU shoe duties an economic mistake?

3 April 2006

BELGIUM: Widespread opposition to dumping duties

24 March 2006

The EU has come under fierce attack for its confirmation yesterday that it would slap preliminary anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese and Vietnamese leather shoe exports after finding evidence of unfair trading.

BELGIUM: EC formally approves shoe duties

23 March 2006

The EU’s Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson confirmed today that the European Commission’s investigation into dumping of leather shoes from China and Vietnam has found “compelling evidence” of state intervention, dumping and injury.

EU: Dumping duties won't wreck shoe sector - industry execs

24 February 2006

The EU’s decision to slap anti-dumping duties on imports of leather footwear from China and Vietnam will not severely hit UK manufacturers and retailers, according to Neil Campbell, chief executive of the British Footwear Association.

EU: Trade commissioner confirms China, Vietnam shoe tariffs

23 February 2006

After months of speculation, the European Union today confirmed it is to impose protective duties on imports of leather shoes from China and Vietnam after finding evidence that the Asian nations are unfairly dumping footwear on European markets.

UK: Anti-dumping high on agenda at Moda Footwear

22 February 2006

European shoe companies voiced a range of opinions on the escalating anti-dumping issue between the EU and China and Vietnam at the Moda Footwear show in Birmingham yesterday (21 February).

CHINA: Footwear producers fight dumping duties

21 February 2006

Chinese and Vietnamese shoemakers have been joining forces to lobby against a potential double-digit tariff on shoe imports into the US.

Industry groups warn against EU shoe duties

6 February 2006

As the deadline for a decision by the EU on whether or not to impose tariffs or quotas on leather footwear imports from China and Vietnam draws nearer, trade groups from Europe and the US are warning of economic chaos, rising prices and shoe shortages.

BELGIUM: BRC blasts EU's Chinese footwear decision

13 January 2006

The British Retail Consortium has lashed out against the EU’s decision to refuse market-economy status to China’s footwear makers, claiming it is the first step to unnecessary anti-dumping duties.