In September, Chinese-owned shoe warehouses were set on fire during a protest over competition from Asianmade shoes, especially those from China. Some 500 Spaniards had gathered in Elche, the center of Spain's shoe industry, complaining about the low price of Chinese shoes, when some protesters started the fire. Damage from the Sept. 16 fire was estimated at euro 8oo,ooo (US$ 980,000).