Malta expected to abstain in EU duties vote

Malta is expected to abstain in an EU vote to extend Asian shoe duties.

Reuters reported that European Union ministers are expected to vote to extend the import duties on shoes from China and Vietnam, despite a rejection of the plan by a key EU trade panel last month.

The diplomats said Germany, Austria and Malta, which previously opposed the extension of 15 months, had decided to abstain from the vote scheduled for Dec. 22, leaving a majority of countries in favour of continuing the duties.

The GRTU had been among organisations which had welcomed the original vote.

"After 15 years of protectionism in the footwear sector, the current anti dumping duties on imports from China and Vietnam will hopefully end in January 2010. As shoes are essential items, this is a good day for all Europeans. Now we expect that today's 'no' will be confirmed also at ministerial level," the GRTU said in a statement on November 19.