EU Will Formulate New Regulations On Footwear Imports

The International Herald Tribune reported that the EU is drafting a new regulation to prepare double tariff and quota measures to avoid a further increase in leather shoes imports from Asia.

At the same time, the regulation will make significant concessions to European consumers and retailers and other import beneficiaries.

It is reported that the new measures will last for five years.

The measure stipulates that tariff increases will come into force when imports of footwear from China and Vietnam exceed a certain number. The aim is to help European manufacturers compete with low-cost products from China and Vietnam.

European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mendelson has implemented interim measures as the EU imports from China surged.

In view of the expiration of the Interim Measures in October of this year, Mandelson is under pressure to draft a new policy on footwear imports.

The report points out that the new measures have made significant concessions to import beneficiaries (i.e. European consumers and retailers), covering only about 20% of the European leather shoes market.

According to the EU's plan, the EU will impose only normal tariffs on 140 million pairs of leather shoes from China and 95 million pairs of leather shoes from Vietnam.

For imports exceeding the above quantity, 23% of the Chinese leather shoes exported to the European Union may be added to the market, plus 29.5% tax on leather shoes from Vietnam.

At present, the plan is being discussed at the EU member's domestic level, and cabinet approval is needed.