Protectionism to no avail for European shoe makers
26 Jan '06
4 min read
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has urged the European Union (EU) to carefully consider the overall economic impact on the European economy - not just the short term advantages to a small group of shoemakers - of a possible decision to impose anti-dumping duties on footwear imported to Europe from China and Vietnam.
“Imposing duties on European shoe imports, which already account for 80 percent of the footwear sold in Europe, would prove to be absolutely devastating to European consumers and workers alike. If the Europeans liked the embarrassing debacle that was last summer's apparel crisis, they will love the nightmare they will create if they do the same thing with shoes.”
AAFA represents US footwear brands that sell countless millions of pairs of shoes to European consumers and employ tens of thousands of European workers through their European subsidiaries, distributors, retail stores and distribution centers. Europe represents the second largest market, after the United States, for many US footwear brands.
Burke's comments came after EU member states backed a European Commission (EC) proposal January 12 to reject market economy status for 13 shoe producing companies in China, which makes it easier for the EC to impose large anti-dumping duties that could last up to five years.
“It is a reality that may be difficult to accept, but one that cannot be denied. In Europe, as in the United States, change has come to an industrywith deep and historic roots,” Burke said. “But instead of embracing that change, adapting and forging a new future, some footwear companies continue to ask their governments for yet more protection from the realities of a rapidly changing global marketplace.”
marketing@alchempro.com
