Leather shoes: Europe reinstates 'anti-dumping' measures against Vietnam

By

Matthieu Guinebault

Published
Oct 19, 2016

Certain leather shoe models produced in Vietnam will soon be implicated in new anti-dumping measures enforced by Europe. The anti-dumping measures -- a protectionist tariff imposed on foreign imports when it is believed prices fall below fair market value -- will be instated for 15 months.
 

Just like footwear made in China, Vietnam-made shoes have faced anti-dumping measures from Europe since 2006, due to the extensive financial support of these two countries to their industries. It is also another step in a legal struggle between Europe and certain contractors who are asking to be compensated for the negative impact of these measures. Especially because the EU breached its obligation to respond to individual assessments demanded by some Vietnamese manufacturers.
 
Last year, Vietnam was the third largest global exporter of leather shoes, behind China and Italy (in value terms). The Southeast Asian nation produces each year some 920 million pairs, of which 800 million are exported, with Europe receiving close to one-third of the flux.

The global market for leather shoes hit $15 million last year (+15.8%).