Imports of footwear to the EU from China and Vietnam: “The impact of antidumping duties on Swedish importers/retailers"

Abstract: This paper aims to study the European footwear industry, which in terms of multilateral trade policy was historically subject to the Multi Fiber Agreement, but became integrated within the World Trade Organization within the framework of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing. The imposition of antidumping duties by the EU on certain footwear originating from China and Vietnam from 2006 to 2011 was, until its removal in 2011, a much debated case. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how Swedish importers/retailers within this industry have acted in order to cope with these trade barriers. The Swedish trade policy is coordinated with the other member states of the EU, within the framework of supranational decision making. Thus, this study focuses on the exports of footwear from China and Vietnam to the EU27 and Sweden between 2004 and 2011, in order to investigate whether trade patterns and corporate strategies changed after the antidumping duties phased out. The study followed a mix of qualitative and quantitative research approach with an exploratory orientation. Empirical findings and analysis is derived from secondary and primary data including interviews with selected Swedish footwear companies, experienced organizations and people within the industry. Findings and conclusions are valuable for companies to cope with existing, expiring or coming trade barriers.