The introduction of anti-dumping duties on imports of shoes from China and Vietnam is unwise trade policy and not the way forward for the EU

The European Commission is launching a proposal to introduce temporary anti-dumping duties from 7 April. The duties will increase during the next six months to almost 20 per cent.

Minister for Economic and Business Affairs Bendt Bendtsen:

- Even though the Commission’s proposal is less damaging than expected I am worried by the fact that the Commission now finds it necessary to introduce protectionist measures in the EU to the benefit of the European shoe manufactures which are having a hard time competing with imports of leather shoes from China and Vietnam. This is damaging to a great number of companies in the EU, consumers, and free, global trade.

- The anti-dumping instrument should be applied with great caution and only when genuine dumping can be documented. Furthermore, I find it necessary to consider the total amount of costs and benefits by introducing anti-dumping duties. Duties which may benefit a few manufactures will inevitably be passed on to consumers.

- However, I am pleased to note that the commissioner for trade, Peter Mandelson, has tried to balance the different opinions within the EU. This means that the proposed duties on almost 20 per cent are considerably lower than expected and that sports shoes and children’s shoes are excluded from the duties.

- I have stated my opinion on the case on numerous occasions to my European colleagues and warned against the unfortunate consequences. It is the EU’s own innovative companies and consumers which are paying the price for the protection of less competitive manufactures.

- My staff will now analyse the proposal, its economic consequences and the grounds for the duties.