Shoe Blues for EU
Liberalisation is great, until it bites back. Such is probably the underlying message of the latest trade dispute between the EU and China. The latter, of course, can hardly be said to be a squeaky-clean example to the rest of us either; but when it begins calling on the WTO to fix Europe you know that things aren't working out.
Hopefully, the EU will figure out a clear and coherent China policy by the end of the year - it needs to.
BBC NEWS | Business | China threatens shoe retaliation
The EU is placing a tariff of 16.5% on leather shoes imported from China over the next two years.
Under pressure from manufacturers, the EU has accused China of "dumping" shoes in Europe at less than market prices.
Beijing said the tarrif, approved by one vote, was legally "defective" and not in accord with global trade rules.
