Beijing: three eyeglass makers to answer anti-dumping charge

Three eyeglass companies in Wenzhou have decided to respond to an anti-dumping case brought forth by Argentina in early January. The unnamed companies, part of a group of 27 involved in this case, and all based in Wenzhou of East China's Zhejiang Province, agreed to represent their colleagues following a day-long meeting organized by the Wenzhou Optical Chamber of Commerce.

'Not all of them will answer the case because the cost for lawsuit is high and the involved amount of money (to be won) is not so big', said Ye Zijian, chairman of the chamber. The three representatives will include one trading company and two manufacturing ones.

The South American nation charges that the 27 companies charge unfairly low prices for their eyewear. From January to November last year, Wenzhou exported US$ 970,000 worth of eyeglasses to Argentina, less than 0.3% of the city's total optical products exports of US$ 400 million.

Although China's exports to the nation are relatively small, Ye said Wenzhou's optical manufacturers fear other countries may follow suit if the sanctions take place in Argentina.

A law firm to represent the companies has not yet been selected, but when it is, Ye said, it will ask Argentina to delay the deadline for answering to the charges.

Wenzhou is the largest manufacturing base of optical products in China, which has more than 800 optical product manufacturers employing over 120,000 workers. This is the second time a local chamber of commerce in the mercantile city has been brought to the front line for answering to anti-dumping charges.

In weekly anti-dumping hearings undertaken by the United States International Trade Commission, there is often mention of China. And it seems that the movement is spreading to other nations.

(Source: China Daily)