Retailers slam new EU duties on cheap shoe imports

The employers' body IBEC has slammed new EU duties on leather shoe imports from China and Vietnam that are coming into force today.

The duties up to 20% are being imposed after an investigation found that the Chinese and Vietnamese authorities were providing state aid to local manufacturers through tax breaks, low rents and cheap financing.

EU Trade Commission Peter Mandelson claims this has allowed these manufacturers to dump cheap products on the European markets, putting European jobs at risk.

However, IBEC's Retail Ireland group has claimed the duties will have a detrimental effect on both retailers and consumers by pushing up prices and leading to a fall in sales.

It also says the move will lead to a loss of VAT to the Irish Exchequer.