Lithuania hit by competition from China

Lithuanian footwear manufacturers are calling on the European Union to take stronger action against exports of Chinese-made footwear to the EU, according to Baltic Business News. The output of Lithuanian shoe manufacturers in the January to April period this year was 21% lower year-on-year. Lithuanian manufacturers are forced to reduce their prices in order to stay competitive. One Lithuanian shoe manufacturer said that quotas, and strict technical and hygiene standards, could serve as effective barriers to Chinese footwear on the EU market. Latvia's Central Statistical Bureau reports that Latvia exported raw hides and skins, leather and leather products, worth US$1.44 million in April, with 70.6% of exports going to the European Union. Imports of the same types of commodities in April were worth US$2.07 million, with 72.5% of imports coming from the EU.