U.S. Shoemaking Industry Injured by Imports, Panel Finds
The U.S. International Trade Commission concluded today that the U.S. shoemaking industry faces serious injury from imported shoes and said it will recommend remedies next month.
Industry leaders are seeking import quotas stringent enough to guarantee U.S. manufacturers at least 50% of the domestic shoe market for five years to allow them time to modernize plants and ensure enough sales to justify making the investment. Opponents say quotas will cost U.S. consumers billions of dollars in higher prices.
The final decision will be up to President Reagan.
Industry leaders testified during three days of hearings that 105 U.S. shoe-manufacturing plants were closed in 1984 alone--costing 13,300 jobs.
Three out of four pairs of shoes sold in the United States now are made in foreign countries, primarily Taiwan, South Korea, Brazil, Italy and Spain.
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