Anti Dumping Duties On European Leather Shoes May Be Extended For 3 Years. Active Response Is The Only Way.

Two years' EU anti-dumping duty on Chinese leather shoes is about to expire, but there is a disheartening news that the EU may extend the enforcement period of anti-dumping measures.

Many Guangdong shoe makers responded strongly to the Times reporters yesterday, saying that once the European Union issued a notice, it would actively participate in the pleading.

It is understood that the import and Export Chamber of light industry and arts and crafts of China recently completed the investigation of Guangdong shoe enterprises on the European Union anti-dumping measures against Chinese leather shoes. The findings will be submitted to the Ministry of Commerce of China, and senior officials of the state will negotiate with the EU.

According to information from the Ministry of commerce website, the Italy Footwear Association (ANCI) held its annual meeting in Milan in June 9th. Al Theo Lee, chairman of the association, said that the total volume of shoes imported from China increased by 16% in 2007, and maintained a two digit increase.

But compared with 2006, it has decreased by 16.5%, which means that the EU anti-dumping measures are effective.

Al Theo Lee said that the European footwear Federation has decided to extend to the European Union the extension of anti-dumping measures on leather shoes in China and Vietnam to 5 years.

At present, Italy Footwear Association is collecting information and opinions among member enterprises to prepare for application for reexamination.

Reporters learned that during the last round of China Europe shoe wars, footwear producers such as Italy and Poland, as representatives of "trade protectionists", have been insisting on imposing high anti-dumping duties on China and have an important impact on the EU's final ruling.

"It is hard to wait until the anti-dumping duty is about to expire, but it has ushered in such a news."

Wu Zhenchang, chairman of Guangdong Chuangxin footwear industry, said he was disappointed.

"In the past two years, the euro has gained a strong appreciation, and European footwear exports to the United States and other markets are basically hopeless, while China's leather shoes exports to Europe have maintained substantial growth."

Guo Weiwen, spokesman of Wan Bang shoe company, also believes that after the anti-dumping duties on Chinese leather shoes were imposed, some of the orders were pferred to other Asian countries.

Yu Shengxing, a lawyer who has been following up the "China shoes" case, said that in the face of the dilemma of extending anti-dumping duties, Chinese shoe enterprises should voice their own voice. "The European manufacturing industry stresses that after the cessation of anti-dumping duties, China's leather shoes exported to the EU will increase substantially, causing damage to the European shoe industry.

Chinese shoe companies should refute these views.

It is understood that before the expiration of anti-dumping measures, the EU will initiate anti-dumping sunset review procedure.

Yu Shengxing suggested that Chinese shoe companies should join forces to defend the European manufacturing industry.

On the other hand, we should join the European Union of retailers and other interest groups to lobby the European Union and submit materials and comments to the European Commission.

"According to the procedures, if the European Union adopts the European industry's recommendations, it will issue a public notice," he said.

Wu Zhenchang said that after filing the case, Chinese enterprises could take part in the lawsuit and apply for market economy status.

"At present everything is not clear, but if the EU once issued relevant announcements, we will take an active part in responding."

He called on Chinese shoe companies to unite and fight for their rights and interests.