About 35 percent surtax on footwear imports particularly from China may be slapped, according to Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, Luiz Fernando Furlan.
Announcing this at the opening of the 37th Francal - International Fair of footwear, fashion accessories, machinery and components - he declared the government is aware of sector complaints about cheap imports from that country threatening footwear domestic industry.
"We are dealing with this in Brasilia, with our Mercosur partners as well, and believe that a solution will be found quickly," said the minister.
Apart from discussing export issues with Argentina, the minister informed announced that the Foreign Trade Chamber (Camex), which is housed in his ministry, has approved safeguard norms and discussed the issue with Chinese authorities.
Concluding his remarks the minister said, "I will probably go to China at the beginning of September to negotiate a solution before it becomes necessary for Brazil to adopt legal measures."
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