The Chinese National Economic Trade Council has said it fears that Thailand is to toughen up import restrictions for shoes made in China after allegations of dumping. Native shoe manufacturers have been complaining about cheap Chinese imports and the Thailand Footwear Consortia has had discussions with the Foreign Trade Ministry about anti-dumping measures.

According to statistics from Thailand’s Commerce Ministry, China has been the biggest exporter of shoes to Thailand. In 2000 shoe imports from China exceed $14.4 million, accounting for 27% of total imports in the sector. In the first five months of 2001, imports totalled $6.3 million, with an increased proportion of 31% of all shoe imports.