A lawsuit launched by four domestic shoemakers against the
European Union's anti-dumping tariffs has been accepted by the EU
Court, Xinhua learned on Monday.
Lawyers and leaders of China Leather Association say the lawsuit
may last for two years before a final judgement is reached.
Last October the EU imposed anti-dumping duties of 16.5 percent
on Chinese shoes. The measures brought strong protests from Chinese
shoemakers.
According to regulations, Chinese shoemakers can file a lawsuit
to the European Court up to two months after the October 5
ruling.
The Chinese government has announced its support to Chinese
merchants and businesses. "It is an effective way of safeguarding
their legal rights," said the Ministry of Commerce official, who
refused to be identified.
Most companies were scared away by the long-drawn and
complicated process and huge costs the suit will involve, said Guo
Weiwen, general secretary of the China Alliance in Response to EU
Anti-Dumping of Chinese Footwear.
The anti-dumping tariffs affected more than 1,200 Chinese
shoemakers, and most small and medium-sized shoemakers chose to
adjust their product structure and export markets, or even retreat
from the EU market, said Guo.
(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2007)