Despite the provisional anti-dumping duties imposed by the EU on footwear produced in Vietnam, according to General Statistics Office the country exported footwear worth $280 million in May 2006 compared with $230 million in May 2005, an increase of 21.74%.

A breakdown of the figures showed that total footwear exports from January to May 2006 increased 23.5% to reach $1,361 million from the $1,102 million reported in corresponding period last year.

On a less positive note, the figures revealed that Vietnam only exported $45 million worth of leather goods (handbags, wallets, suitcases, etc.) compared with $50 million in May 2005. However, total leather goods exports for the first five months of 2006 rose to $204 million from $201 million in comparable period last year.