BEIJING (AP) 鈥� Chinese drinkers may pay more for Remy Martin and other European brandies after the government announced provisional tariffs of 30.6% to 39% on those liquors Tuesday, four days after a majority of European Union countries made in China.
The tit-for-tat move potentially gives Chinese negotiators leverage in talks with the EU on reducing or eliminating the , which would take effect at the end of this month.
The brandy tariffs are provisional and require importers to make a deposit with the Chinese customs agency for the amount of the tariff, starting Friday.
The announcement followed a preliminary finding by China's Commerce Ministry in late August that European brandy was being dumped in China, threatening 鈥渟ubstantial damage鈥� to domestic producers.
China launched a series of anti-dumping investigations into European brandy, pork and as an EU investigation into Chinese EV exports launched a year ago progressed through various stages.
The brandy probe mainly targeted French makers of Cognac and similar spirits such as Armagnac. France has supported the investigation into Chinese-made EVs, while Germany, whose automakers fear retaliation in the Chinese market, has opposed it.
The provisional tariffs vary by brand, similar to the EU duties on electric cars made in China. For example, Martell products face a 30.6% tariff versus 38.1% for Remy Martin and 39% for Hennessey. The tariffs are being imposed on dozens of companies, including some Spanish makers.
French President Emmanuel Macron when the two exchanged gifts during Xi's state visit to France in May.
Ken Moritsugu, The Associated Press
