Peter Mandelson warns EU over leather-footwear anti-dumping measures
18 Mar '06
2 min read
EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson has told a debate in the European Parliament that anti-dumping measures can only be part of a much wider strategy to adjust to competition from Asian exporters like China .
He argued that Europe was justified in acting to correct injury caused by unfair trading practice but he warned that Europe should not pretend that competitive pressure on Europe is related solely to unfair trade.
He argued that changing patterns of production, including the outsourcing of European production to Asia means that Europe has nothing to gain from closing the doors to competitive Asian exports.
Mandelson said: "Europe's trade defence measures target unfair trade. They cannot protect us from tough competition. They cannot shield us from Asia's natural and legitimate low-cost advantages. However, when those comparative advantages are topped up by unfair and uncompetitive practice we have a right and an obligation to act."
Mandelson argued that "Rising to the Asian challenge places great demands on our businesses and workers. But politics and policy can take a proactive hand in creating the conditions in which businesses and workers can adapt to economic change."
Arguing that the European Union has to "equip today's Europeans for tomorrow's jobs", Mandelson welcomed the proposed creation of a Globalisation Adjustment Fund to of €500 million to be used to provide immediate relief to job losses and business failures linked to globalisation.
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