Mandelson steps back from battle over shoe duties

Tensions between Europe's protectionist and free-market camps is expected to reach new levels in September 2006 as they battle over whether to continue anti-dumping duties on cheap Chinese and Vietnamese shoes. Peter Mandelson, EU trade commissioner, has concluded he can do no more to settle the dispute and will stand aside while national capitals thrash out their differences.

European Commission: DG Trade: Trade Issues: Sectoral Issues: Textiles and footwear: Trade in leather and footwear http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/sectoral/industry/textile/trade_ftw_en.htm

European Commission: DG Trade: Press Release, 30.8.06: EU Member States to decide on Commission proposal for definitive anti-dumping http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2006/august/tradoc_129935.pdf

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