The EU's executive commission has proposed extending trade charges on Chinese and Vietnamese leather shoes.

Importers say the move will not help Europe's struggling shoemakers, but cost consumers millions of euros and hurt relations with China.

The EU will vote later this month on extending the anti-dumping tariffs by another 15 months.

If approved, the extended duties of up to 16.5 percent on imports of Chinese leather shoes and 10 percent on those made in Vietnam will come into force on January 3rd.

The EU Commission first imposed the tariffs in 2006, after European manufacturers complained they were unable to compete against low-cost producers in China and Vietnam.

But retailers and importers say they are the real victims, because the charges have forced them to pay more for the vast number of shoes made in China.

The European Footwear Alliance says the charges will not help Europe's shoemakers, as imports from China and Vietnam have been replaced by imports from other countries.

The group says the charges will also jeopardize the EU's good relations with key emerging markets like China.