The government’s abstention in an EU vote to end the dumping duties on Asian imported shoes has been regretted by the Consumers’ Association.

In a statement it said that although a few weeks ago the government voted to end the duties, it had now abstained.

“This unfortunate turn of events will result in the continued imposition of higher duties imposed by the Commission on imported shoes from Asia.

“It also means that although the Maltese government is abstaining, in reality, the result is similar to having voted for the continuation of the higher import duties.”

This move, the association said, would hit hardest those consumers who were economically less well-off. It would also impede trade at a time when it was most needed to boost the economy.

Maltese consumers did not need an extension of the duties, artificially inflating consumer prices, but their removal.

The association appealed to the government to vote against the extension of the duties when it votes again on December 17 and 22.

This, it said, would be a vote in favour of Maltese and other European consumers.