China regrets EU decision to launch sunset review of anti-dumping ...

Tag : shoes

BEIJING, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- China expressed regret over theEuropean Union's (EU) decision to launch a sunset review ofanti-dumping duties on leather shoes from the country, the Ministryof Commerce (MOC) said on its website on Friday.
It opposed the extension of the anti-dumping measures inflicted onthe made-in-China shoes by any means, the ministry said.
A split EU decided two years ago to levy anti-dumping duties up to16.5 percent on imports of Chinese shoes from Oct. 7, 2006. Theoriginal measures should last two years and expire soon, but thereview would decide whether to extend them.
The ministry said the measures were not based on legal foundationor fact. They were even controversial within the EU.
Considering the strong protests within the body, the EU slashed theyears effective from five to two. The measures should be haltedafter the punitive duties have served for two years, the ministrysaid.
Long protected by import quotas, the EU has already completed itsindustry restructuring with the help of those anti-dumpingmeasures. There is no need to extend the protection as the EU isquite competitive and enjoys sound prospects on shoe exports,according to MOC.
In addition, the EU is not in head-to-head competition with Chinaas it excels in design and innovation with an eye on mid- andhigh-end markets. China, however, remained dedicated tomanufacturing. That makes the anti-dumping measures meaningless,the ministry said.
The ministry noted the decision was opposed by many Europeanimporters and retailers. This reflected their strong desire toresume the normal trade of footwear.
The MOC hoped the EU could end the anti-dumping measures inresponse to the call of the public.
Sunset review is a system ruled by the World Trade Organization(WTO) Anti-dumping Agreement and generally implemented by WTOmembers.
If the review confirms the cancellation of anti-dumping measuresresult in further dumping and damage, investigation institutionsmay decide to implement anti-dumping measures for another fiveyears.