FAIR's President Paul Verrips' decries EU move to slap shoes anti-dumping duties
21 Mar '06
3 min read
The EU Trade Commissioner wants to introduce anti-dumping duties against the will of the majority. “The EU Commission is currently insisting on the imposition of anti-dumping duties against imports of leather footwear from China and Vietnam, despite the lack of support from a majority of EU Member States.”
“This would not only hurt the European consumer and trade, but also damages the reputation of the European Union. In this case both the basic principles of the EU as well as the interest of the European citizen are being sacrificed due to intense short-sighted pressure from companies which have had decades to adapt to increased global competition.”
“This is Paul Verrips', President of the European Footwear Association of Importers and Retailchains (FAIR), reaction to the EU Commission's latest announcement. The EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson stated that he would push to introduce anti-dumping duties, despite the fact that 11 Member States have rejected this proposal and nearly all the rest refused to express support for it. An official decision is expected on 22 March 2006.”
Verrips is particularly outraged by the statement of Mandelson to justify his decision, that there was no clear majority against his proposal. “The fact is that only three Member States supported the proposal.”
The EC reaction is not only proof of a lack of respect for the Member States, but above all it is highly unfortunate for the consumer as well as for the affected companies. In the end the undemocratic position being put forward will damage the trust and confidence of the EU citizens”, is the conviction of Verrips.
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