The European Commission is struggling to secure enough support among member states for a controversial plan to extend “anti-dumping” duties against imported Chinese and Vietnamese footwear.

The Commission has met several undecided member states ahead of a pivotal meeting today where they will consider its recommendation that the duties – 16.5 per cent on Chinese footwear and 10 per cent on Vietnamese – be extended for 15 more months.

While Commission officials have characterised those talks as standard consultations, some diplomats view them as a heavy-handed attempt to push through an unpopular policy. “This is the first time in seven years I've seen the Commission invite member states to come in for a talk,” said one European trade specialist, who said there had been an excess of “horse-trading” surrounding the case, even by Brussels standards.