Brazil is studying the possibility of slapping a 35% surtax on foorwear imports from China, reports Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, Luiz Fernando Furlan.
Speaking at the opening of the 37th Francal – International Fair of Footwear, Fashion Accessories, Machinery and Components – he declared that the government is aware of sector complaints about low-price imports.
“We are dealing with this in Brasília, with our Mercosur partners as well, and believe that a solution will be found quickly,” said the Minister.
Another grievance concerns exports to Argentina. “We just concluded trade talks with Argentina. The agreement we reached was not ideal, it was reasonable. But we hope that by the end of the year our export problems with Argentina will enter a phase of smooth sailing,” Furlan explained.
With regard to safeguards the sector is calling for because of imports from China, Furlan declared that the Foreign Trade Chamber (Camex), which is housed in his ministry, has approved safeguard norms and discussed the issue with Chinese authorities.
“I will probably go to China at the beginning of September to negotiate a solution before it becomes necessary for Brazil to adopt legal measures,” concluded the Minister.
ABr – www.radiobras.gov.br
