Question: China today said it was launching a dispute in the WTO over European Union duties on leather footwear. The duties also applied to Vietnam. Is Vietnam joining China in this action at the WTO? If not, why? Does Vietnam plan its own action in the WTO?

Answer:

"It is normal in international economic relations for WTO members to use WTO’s dispute settlement system to resolve trade disputes. Vietnam closely follows China’s complaint with WTO over European Union's extension of anti-dumping duties on China’s leather shoes and we will have appropriate action.

On this occasion, we would like to reiterate that the European Commission’s decision to extend anti-dumping duties on leather shoes imported from Vietnam is unobjective and unfair, which fails to reflect the reality of Vietnam’s footwear production and business. The decision also runs counter to the trade liberalization spirit advocated by the European Union."