By Sean Poulter, Consumer Affairs Editor PUBLISHED: 20:39 EST, 15 November 2012 | UPDATED: 08:56 EST, 16 November 2012 High street stores have slammed Brussels over decision to impose a 'Crockery Tax' on cheap cups, plates and bowls imported from China. A new duty will come into force within 24 hours and add between 17.6per cent and 58.8per cent to the wholesale dockside price of the cheap imports. This could feed through to a 20 per cent increase in the price of a basic set of dinner plates, side plates and bowls in the shops. Some 80 per cent of all British and European imports of crockery come from China, which benefits from low wages and production costs.
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The British Retail Consortium warned that the move will drive up shop prices
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The EU market for ceramic tableware and kitchenware is worth £1.2billion
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It is estimated that the duties will add £230million to importers' costs
The new is supposed to protect @placeholder producers but will negatively impact high street retailers