More than half the EU’s member states voted on Wednesday to end emergency import duties against shoes from China and Vietnam, complicating a looming decision for Peter Mandelson, European trade commissioner.

Officials familiar with the talks said 15 countries voted against renewing the “anti-dumping” duties, imposed in 2006, with only 12 in favour. The vote is non-binding but suggests that opinion may have shifted against imposing duties on imports that make consumer goods more expensive, particularly at a time of high inflation.