Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-05-12-Speech-4-034"
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"en.20050512.3.4-034"2
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"Mr President, Commissioner, since 1 January of this year, some 500 jobs have been lost in Belgium too as a result of the unequalled increase in Chinese textiles imports. At this rate, it is expected that some 2 000 jobs will go by the end of this year, and if nothing is done, this will continue in the years to come. Allow me to quote two figures, Commissioner, which I received this morning. These are figures that reflect the increase of Chinese imports in Belgium over the past quarter, from January to April 2005.
Imports of Chinese jumpers have increased by 747% and of men’s trousers by 2000%, which adds up to a 20-fold increase. The European – and Belgian – textile and clothing businesses have, nevertheless, largely adapted to the new competition. They have specialised in a number of products, God knows how many, and are thus attempting to respond to the new threat and get their punches in first. Unfortunately, Commissioner, it is extremely difficult to arm yourself against an opponent who resorts to unfair dumping practices, as has been mentioned several times this morning, and illegal counterfeit practices in particular.
An increasing number of European textile companies are faced with shameless and illegal imitations produced by their Chinese competitors. I am delighted to hear this morning that you are determined to tackle this scourge. The question is how quickly you want to act because figures over the past few months show that the situation is critical. You said this morning in your introduction that you would like to further analyse the information. What exactly do you mean by this? I hope that this does not mean further delays.
This debate is not intended to prompt you, Mr Mandelson, into taking protectionist measures against China, on the assumption, of course, that such a thing is possible at this stage. This is an appeal to make it clear to our Chinese friends that dumping and counterfeiting have no place in Europe and are far from being fair trade practices. It is up to you, the Commission, to see to it that this is done. Mr Mandelson, the employers and workers in Europe’s textile and clothing businesses are relying on you. Please do not let them down any longer."@en1
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