Robert Sturdy and UK shoe prices
30 September 2009
“WHAT A LOT OF COBBLERS,” SAYS ROBERT STURDY AS EU COMES UNDER PRESSURE TO EXTEND TAX HIKE ON FAR EAST SHOES
Mediterranean high end shoe manufacturers are trying to keep up the cost of ordinary leather shoes on UK high streets to protect themselves from cheaper imports from China and Vietnam, Conservative International Trade Spokesman in Europe Robert Sturdy MEP said today.
The so-called ‘anti-dumping’ measures currently in place, and being considered for extension by the EU, could see the tariff of 16.5 percent continuing on shoes from China, and 10 percent on shoes from Vietnam over the next two years.
Mr Sturdy said UK consumers and local retailers would feel the brunt of the duties at a time when other household bills are rising sharply.
He said:
“Shoe prices in the UK could increase unnecessarily at a time when we are already facing higher household bills.
“The EU needs to see the opening of markets with China as an opportunity for consumers who will benefit from increased choice and lower higher street prices. But the EU is still treating it as a threat and trying to block it out.
“Free trade is good for consumers and it creates more and better jobs. It may be painful for some, but the EU will gain in the long run. Burying our heads in the sand and pretending globalisation has never happened is the totally wrong approach.”
