China calls on EU for shoe sanctions rethink
(AP)
Updated: 2006-03-10 15:19

China on Friday urged the European Union to reconsider proposed sanctions on its exports of shoes, with the Commerce Ministry calling such measures unfair.

China has repeatedly chastised the EU over the issue, describing as "groundless" allegations that it is dumping shoes at below-cost prices and violating rules against unfair competition.

"The EU's proposed plan to impose anti-dumping duty on imported Chinese shoes is unjust and lacks legitimacy," said Wang Shichun, director-general of the Commerce Ministry's bureau of fair trade for imports and exports.

Wang warned that the proposed sanctions would also hurt European importers and retailers.

China wants the EU to "fully and reasonably reassess and judge this case so as to make a decision that conforms to WTO regulations," Wang said in comments posted on the ministry's Web site.

Under heavy pressure from European manufacturers, EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said Wednesday that he was ready to act against imports of cheap shoes from China and Vietnam.

If imposed, the EU would phase in temporary anti-dumping duties of up to 19.4 percent against Chinese shoe exporters by October.

Measures lasting up to five years are due to be announced in October.

An EU delegation was due to travel to China this week to meet with officials and industry representatives here over the issue.