China Imposes Tariffs on EU Brandy, Exempts Major Producers

China will impose duties of up to 34.9 percent on European brandy for five years starting July 5, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Certain major producers will be exempt if they agree to maintain prices above a minimum threshold.

The decision, published in several documents on the ministry’s website on July 4, follows a year-long investigation launched in January 2024. French officials have described the move as “pure retaliation” against the European Union’s tariff hikes on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).