Shoe makers take steps to fight levies

China's makers of leather shoes have formed an alliance to fight for the scraping of anti-dumping duties imposed by European Commission.

Seven shoe makers will be giving evidence to the European Commission in January, Aokang Group, China's top private shoe maker, said. "The seven makers represent the entire industry. Winning the battle would benefit the whole industry export. The firms should work together against anti-dumping duty," Pu Lingchen, China's lawyer in the case.

The EC review will investigate output, price and cost based on submitted information.

The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Light Industrial Products and Arts-Crafts will also be taking part in the review.

The European Commission decided on October 4 to extend its anti-dumping duties of 16.5 percent pending a review. The levies were due to have expired on October 7.

They are aimed at protecting producers in Italy, Spain and Portugal through levies on leather footwear made in China and Vietnam.