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EU advised to reconsider dumping claim
By Jiang Wei (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-02-25 07:23
"The EU ignores the fact that 98 per cent of shoe manufacturers are funded by
private and foreign capital. Refusing to grant market economy treatment to
Chinese shoe makers is a discriminatory action violating the principles of fair
trade," Chong said.
The shoe manufacturing industry is one of the most market-oriented sectors in
China, he added.
Although Mandelson's proposal is supported by shoe manufacturers in southern
European countries, it is condemned by EU importers, retailers and shoe makers
that have plants in China.
Peter Bolliger, chief executive of the shoe maker and retailer Clarks, was
quoted by the Guardian of London as saying: "Our initial observation is one of
disappointment. While noting the ... exemption for children's shoes, we know
this is not guaranteed and is subject to challenge from sections of the
industry, which must be a matter of great concern to all parents."
The dumping charge, initiated by European shoe manufacturers last July, is
the largest for China in both value and volume. It affects an export of US$670
million and about 4 million jobs.
China produces about 8 billion pairs of shoes a year, and the EU is
second-largest overseas market for Chinese footwear, following the United
States.
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