There has been a long-running dispute between the European Union and China over trade restrictions. Now it has been taken a step further to the World Trade Organization.
The move follows the EU’s decision in December to extend anti-dumping duties against Chinese and Vietnamese footwear for 15 months.
The duties amount to 16.5% for Chinese imports and 10% for Vietnamese.
In its filing, China is requesting consultations with the EU to try to resolve the matter. If the two sides cannot agree a settlement within 60 days, then China would request a ruling from the WTO.
Financial Times reports that the government of China has refused to allow its currency to appreciate since the onset of the crisis despite complaints from many of its trading partners that it is pursuing a mercantilist policy that puts other countries at a disadvantage.