Shoe exporters seize renewed trading opportunities

Although Chinese shoe makers are keeping a close eye on the European market, industry insiders said Chinese companies need to maintain stable exports over the next few months to avoid unnecessary trade friction.

According to the Ministry of Commerce of China, European policy makers have decided to implement a monitoring regime to oversee the volume of shoes imported from China. The measure will be effective for one year from April 1. Further action might be taken if there is evidence to suggest Chinese shoe exports will hurt local industry.

"European regulators may be worried that a steep rise in shoe imports may hurt local shoe manufacturing companies so maintaining a stable export volume will benefit Chinese companies in the long run," said Wei from CLIA.

"Although the anti-dumping duty was lifted, Chinese companies still need to be cautious in preparing orders from overseas. For instance, companies need to prepare certificates of origin and pay more attention to intellectual property rights protection," added Wei.

The introduction of the anti-dumping duty of up to 16.5 percent on Chinese shoes has seriously affected the development of Chinese companies in the European market and led to unemployment in the footwear industry.

It was reported by Southern Metropolis Daily that some 20,000 shoe manufacturing workers lost their jobs between 2006 and 2008.