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January 08
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9th June 2008
BRC calls for end to EU anti-dumping tariffs
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is calling on the EU to conduct an economic assessment of anti-dumping tariffs, which are putting up prices for UK consumers.
Currently, the BRC estimate that anti-dumping duties on leather shoes, energy efficient light bulbs and bin liners force retailers to pass on £16 million a year of extra costs to consumers.
Plans to extend the tariffs - which are designed to prevent supposed unfair competition - to screws and candles would further hurt UK consumers, the BRC stated.
Stephen Robertson, BRC director general, commented: "EU anti-dumping duties penalise the many for the sake of the few. There can be no justification for the EU piling on extra taxes which push up shop prices and drive up overall inflation.
"Duties on energy efficient light bulbs are particularly outrageous. Brussels must show it puts the needs of its citizens above the interests of a minority of businesses looking for an unfair competitive advantage.
Gareth Thomas, the parliamentary under secretary of state for trade and consumer affairs, added: "It is vital that the Commission actively takes account of all interests including consumers, traders and retailers when considering anti-dumping measures.
"It is also important to recognise that anti-dumping measures are a legitimate tool to be used when unfair competition is a direct cause of injury to EU industry."
(c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.
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