Mandelson on EU anti-dumping action against China
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-11-05 07:53

EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson pledged to only take action against China on alleged dumping of footwear if it is "warranted" and "justified".

In a joint news conference with Chinese commerce minister Bo Xilai, Mandelson said he expected the results of an EU anti-dumping probe opened at the end of June to "come in due course".

"But I will not be taking action unless I'm absolutely convinced that it is justified and warranted," Mandelson added.

The Financial Times reported that Brussels was preparing to slap tariffs on the country's leather and reinforced shoes exports for dumping them on the EU market -- selling them at below prices below the cost of production.

Bo said he hoped the commission would stave off imposing the measures.

"We don't want to see these industries facing anti-dumping measures by the EU. Our trading relationship is of a complimentary nature."

Although Mandelson said his talks with Bo had touched on footwear only in passing, there were more focused discussions on China's cherished goal of gaining market economy status, which is important regarding how anti-dumping charges are handled.

However, Mandelson would not be drawn into issuing precise timing on granting China market economy status, saying: "We are working on the substance and not deadlines."

More broadly on anti-dumping, Mandelson said the number of EU cases lodged against China had been "slowing up over the last year but when we receive a complaint we are duty bound to investigate it."

"If action is justified we take action, it's proportionate, it's not excessive, its reasonable and that's how it will continue," he added.