Business

Assignment 1.3 Due Wednesday (Midnight, CST) (10 pts)

In Europe, the small mom-and-pop shoe cobblers are asking the European Union to limit the import of shoes from Asia. Meanwhile, the large shoe manufacturers in the Europe are lobbying against limiting imports because they have outsourced the work to Asia and are reaping the rewards from low labor costs. Write a 300-word essay describing your recommendations to the European Union. You will need to take either the cobbler’s side – or the large manufacturer’s side.

Post your essay in Discussion Forum 1.2

To limit or not to limit shoe imports from Asia

In Europe, the small mom-and-pop shoe cobblers are asking the European Union to limit the import of shoes from Asia. Meanwhile, the large shoe manufacturers in Europe are lobbying against limiting imports because they have outsourced the work to Asia and are reaping the rewards from low labor costs. The industry is split between organizations representing local shoemakers who talk about the threat to the European industry and leading footwear companies, many whom have invested heavily in export manufacturing capacity in Asia confused by the quick change in plans. I agree with the large shoe manufacturers warning that tariffs would threaten Europe’s consumers and retailers, and its competitiveness. My recommendation to the European Union is to side with the large shoe manufacturers. Shoes are one of Asia’s major export items and the shoe-making involves a large proportion of its workforce. Those European industries that have adapted to the “new world” could be penalized with a higher duty rate, and possibly damage their relationship if limits are set into place against Asia. I do not see this recommendation causing negative effects such as increased prices, reduced employment or reduced choice for the consumer. I feel that the urge for the local shoe makers to have the European Union initiate this limit is because they fear...