According to Financial Times, only 3 out of 25 EU member countries agreed to apply anti dumping lawsuits on leather upper shoes from Vietnam and China. 9 members opposed to this proposal included Sweden, Ireland, Slovenia and North Europe countries.
EU Commerce Commissioner Peter Mandelson insisted on applying anti-dumping tax on leather upper shoes from Vietnam and China though protested by many member countries. (AFP)

The result of secret ballot on March 16 on imposing anti dumping tax on Vietnam and China’s upper leather shoes showed that 13 member countries abstained their votes while 9 other voted against the proposal suggested by EU Commerce Commissioner Peter Mandelson. Among countries that protested new tax on shoes imports were Sweden, Ireland, Slovenia and Northern Europe countries.

Despite opposite viewpoints among member countries, Mr Peter Mandelson has proposed to EU Commission to approve the imposition of anti dumping duty on Vietnam and China’s upper leather shoes on coming March 22.

Through abstaining their votes, Italy, Portugal and Spain revealed that they expected  even a higher rate to be applied on Vietnam and China’s shoes exports to EU market.

As the source reported, some member countries are worried about Mr Mandelson’s recent agreement on removing high-tech sport shoes and children shoes from investigated list, which can create a potential “hole” for shoes exports from Vietnam, China and other Asian countries to EU.

Last month, Mr Mandelson has proposed the ceiling duty rate as high as 16.8% for Vietnam-made leather upper shoes products which would be implemented from this April a phased-in period of six months, starting at 4%.