Shopkeepers have launched a campaign in protest of new European Union tariffs to be imposed on goods from the Far East.
British retailers say they have launched their action against the tariffs, which are aimed at protecting EU manufacturers, because they will hurt trade and go against consumers’ interests.
The tariffs will apply to leather products, such as shoes, that enter the EU zone, and will add an additional 19% to their price if the measures go ahead as expected on April 7.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which launched its ‘How Much?!’ campaign in opposition to the measures, has warned that shoppers could face increases on the cost of items as far ranging as jeans to furniture if protectionist politicians are allowed to hold sway.
The tariffs, described as ‘anti-dumping measures’ by European politicians, are a response to the growing threat to western manufacturers from cheap competition in countries of the Far East.
China, which is believed to make about half of the world’s shoe exports and is one of the main countries to be affected by the tariffs, is appealing the decision.
Alisdair Gray, of the BRC, said: "The battle for cheap shoe imports has already been lost – a 19% duty was agreed this week – but many other items, from clothes to household goods, could also be affected if the European protectionist lobby has its way.
“Businesses and consumers are being encouraged to register their support for the campaign and to support Peter Mandelson, Europe's trade commissioner, in standing up for the consumer and to block imposition of unfair import duties on Chinese goods.”
