FAIR, the Footwear Association of Importers and Retail chains has released a statement claiming that the EU’s decision to impose provisional duties will cost European shoe companies €150 million.

According to the statement, By pushing through the introduction of anti-dumping measures regardless of the fact that 22 Member States are against the current proposal, or at least consider that an improvement is required, he [Mr Mandelson] ignores the actual advice of the Member States and harms the interests of the EU.

Indeed, because of these measures, EU footwear companies active in design, import, logistics, and retail sales of shoes will have to pay approximately €150 million in anti-dumping duties during the next six months. This is because for this period, purchases have already been made and the re-sales prices of these purchases are already confirmed. At the same time, the EU producers that are expected to gain from anti-dumping measures will not obtain a comparable benefit. Over the same period, their benefit will be €4 million.”

FAIR represents the interests of more than 100 footwear importers and retailers.