Proposals by the European Union (EU) to impose quotas on imports
of Chinese-made leather shoes were retrogressive and a violation of
world trade rules said the shoemakers on Monday in strong criticism
of the move.
"Chinese footwear producers are extremely dissatisfied with and
firmly object to the EU's plans", according to a complaint filed to
the European Commission (EC) by an alliance of more than 150
Chinese shoemakers.
Under the proposed system the EU would levy normal duties on 140
million pairs of leather shoes each year from China and impose
anti-dumping duties of 23 percent on imports beyond that level.
Votes by EU member countries will decide on the proposals and the
final result is expected to be announced before October 6.
Chinese officials have rejected the idea of a quota-based system
saying it’s against current world trade rules and incompatible with
the World Trade Organization (WTO) which China joined in 2001.
China has complained that the EU does not regard it as a market
economy and that it has placed unreasonable blame for the losses of
European footwear manufacturers on imports from China and
Vietnam.
The new proposals would also levy 29.5 percent of anti-dumping
duties on Vietnam-made leather shoes beyond their quota of 95
million pairs.
The Chinese shoemakers' alliance will continue legal preparation
for the case and to support China's efforts in turning to the WTO's
dispute-settlement body over the issue.
(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2006)