Disappointed and dissatisfied as they are, Chinese shoemakers have stayed calm as the European Union (EU)'s two-year anti-dumping duty on China-made leather shoes took effect on Saturday.

Under the EU's new policy, European shoe importers will pay a 16.5 percent tariff on Chinese-made leather shoes and 10 percent on shoes made in Vietnam.

Children's shoes, which were not covered by the provisional anti-dumping duties introduced since April 7, are now subject to the definitive duties.

According to EU figures, China exported 1.25 billion pairs of shoes to Europe in 2005, however the exports may drop 10 percent after the introduction of the levy, members of the industry have said.

"We're not surprised at the anti-dumping duty levy at all. After all, it's not the first time," said Xu Hongzhen, vice manager-general of the Wenzhou-based Jierda Shoes-making Com., Ltd., after a grand party held by the company to celebrate the traditional Moon Festival on Friday night.

In April, the EU imposed six-month tariffs of 19.4 percent on leather shoes from China and 16.8 percent on those from Vietnam.

"Ever since then, I know a long-term punitive duty will come sooner or later, though it is extremely unwise for EU to do so," said Xu.

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