EU withdraws footwear dumping charge

The European Union (EU) has dropped an anti-dumping investigation into imports of Chinese-made protective footwear after European producers withdrew their complaint. Li Fayin of AllBright Law Offices, who represented the Chinese firms in this case, says it is the first time since 2003 that Chinese enterprises have won an anti-dumping case in the EU market by non-injury appeal.

Nearly all large-sized Chinese protective footwear makers responded to the charge and testified that China's exports have not injured the EU's shoemaking industry. Footwear makers also encouraged their EU suppliers to lobby the European Commission, the body that launched the investigation. Li says the case sets an example for other Chinese businesses involved in anti-dumping cases and that the successful result is due to collaboration between the industry, organizations, lawyers and governments.

Another investigation involving Chinese leather shoes launched in July 2005 is awaiting a final ruling, which may result in a 16.5% duty being imposed on leather footwear from China when the provisional duties on leather shoes expire on October 7 2006.