NEW YORK, Sept 28 (Reuters) - The European Commission is expected to propose next month extending anti-dumping duties on imports of Chinese-made shoes for two years instead of the normal five-year period, diplomatic and industry sources said.
As part of a compromise to be put forward by the European Union executive to member states on Oct. 22, Vietnamese shoes, children's footwear and sports shoes may be exempted, the sources, who have knowledge of the proposal, told Reuters.
Last October, the Commission -- which oversees trade policy for the 27-nation EU -- extended duties of up to 16.5 percent on Chinese leather shoes and 10 percent on those made in Vietnam, pending a review.
A majority of EU countries had opposed that move.
"As it stands, most member states still oppose extending the duties, so the Commission faces an uphill battle," one EU diplomat said.
So-called "definitive duties" last for five years, but given the political sensitivity of the case, Brussels is proposing a compromise of two years.
The proposal, which needs the approval of a majority of EU governments, would come into force on Jan. 3 next year. (Reporting by Darren Ennis, editing by Dale Hudson)