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| Shoe Shops Fear EU Tariffs http://www.bbfans.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=25064 |
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| Author: | JimD [ 10 Mar 06, 14:40 ] |
| Post subject: | Shoe Shops Fear EU Tariffs |
SKY Updated: 12:21, Thursday March 09, 2006 High Street retailers fear the price of footwear will rise if the EU imposes a tariff on cheap imports of shoes and boots from China and Vietnam. Shop owners say the tariff would lead to increased prices and businesses could go bust. The EU wants an import charge of up to 20% on footwear from China and Vietnam to protect the European footwear industry. China is furious, claiming the duties would breach the principles of global free trade. In 2004, 128 million pairs of shoes were imported from China. Last year that went up to 191 million following an outbreak of 'Shoe Fetish-itis' by Big Brother followers. One shopkeeper in Birmingham told Sky News his business relied on low-cost imports and the EU plans could destroy his trade. EU officials admit the plans may not help the British footwear industry because most manufacturers went out of business long ago. Those that have survived tend to be the designer labels which sell high-quality hand-made shoes. The EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson has insisted the tariffs would not mean a hike in shop prices. |
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