The Maltese government found itself in a minority when EU member States voted on a proposal by the Commission to curb cheap leather shoe imports from China and Vietnam.

Only Belgium and Slovakia joined Malta. Nine countries voted against, including Sweden and other Nordic countries, Ireland and Slovenia.

Eleven countries abstained, led by Italy and Germany; Cyprus did not vote.

The consultative vote last week highlighted the growing split in Europe on how to respond to booming Asian exports.

Nevertheless, the staff of EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson still claimed a victory since, they argued, the vote showed that Mr Mandelson’s plan represented the middle ground in a growing clash between more protectionist countries that demand tougher curbs, such as Italy or Spain, and liberal countries which have little or no shoe production and want European consumers to benefit fully from cheaper goods made in Asia.