Retailers put in the boot over EU import tariffs

Struggling British retailers accused the European Union of being “overwhelmingly in favour of protectionism” today as it prepared to slap duties on cheap goods imported from Asia.

Tariffs will be imposed on leather shoes made in China and Vietnam on April 7 after EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson found evidence of “dumping” - shoes being sold to Europe at knock-down prices with the help of state subsidies.