The EU is still the major importer of the Vietnamese footwear products with 50 percent of the sector’s exports. Despite a high growth rate in recent years, the sector have not fulfilled their set target. Footwear exporters will enjoy advantages and will be able to reach the target of US$5.5 billion in 2011 because the European Commission has lifted anti-dumping tariff. Vietnamese footwear can now compete on equal ground with those from India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
However, the EC will continue to strictly supervise them for one year, imposing pressure for the Vietnamese footwear sector. It must adjust its exports so the EC will not impose such tariffs again. The sector should pay attention to maintaining export growth to the EU and keeping the export price the same as other European producers.
Diep Thanh Kiet, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association, said that when inflation and input material costs increase, the sector cannot sell products at lower prices. Domestic businesses should be careful when they export products to the EU markets.
