No antidumping on footwear: a reasonable decision

Brussels, 19 November 2009: EU Member States reject Commission proposal

The EU Antidumping Committee at its meeting today rejected the Commission proposal to extend the duties for another 15 months, by 15 votes against 10.

 

EuroCommerce welcomes today's decision by the EU-27 trade officials. After 15 years of protectionism in the footwear sector, the current antidumping duties on imports from China and Vietnam will hopefully end in January 2010. As shoes are essential items, this is a good day for all Europeans. Now we expect that today's 'no' will be confirmed also at ministerial level.

Today, a majority of Member States have taken a reasonable decision. The reasons to terminate the measures were compelling: due to higher import prices from China and Vietnam, the import activity has shifted to other countries of origin. Production has not returned to Europe. There is no evidence that the measures have saved one single job.

"Free trade benefits consumers and boosts the economy. Europe needs open markets at home to foster market access abroad. Today's decision has set the points right. If confirmed, the termination of the footwear duties will help Europe on its way out of the crisis. Consumers and competitive industries stand to win – hopefully a precedent for upcoming cases", said Mr Durieu, Secretary General of EuroCommerce.

 

 

 

 

Ralph Kamphöner
Senior Adviser International Trade
T:+32 2 737 05 88
kamphoener@eurocommerce.be