France says still open to negotiation over China's brandy tariffs

Published Nov 4, 2024

Tridge summary

France's foreign trade minister, Sophie Primas, has indicated that negotiations with China over tariffs on European brandy, particularly cognac, are still possible following China's imposition of provisional tariffs on EU brandy imports. This situation is part of a broader trade dispute between China and the EU, with additional issues including tariffs on European electric vehicles, anti-dumping probes on pork and dairy imports from Europe, and EU investigations into Chinese subsidies for solar panels and wind turbines. Primas' discussions with China's commerce minister, Wang Wentao, emphasized France's commitment to negotiation while also preparing for potential escalation. The backdrop of these talks includes China's assertions that the EU's electric vehicle tariffs are politically motivated and China's ongoing trade practices, which the EU is scrutinizing for unfair competition and subsidies in the solar and wind sectors.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

France's foreign trade minister has said the window for negotiation with Beijing over tariffs on European brandy remains open but warned Paris could take "all possible measures" in response. In October, Beijing announced provisional tariffs on European Union brandy imports, part of an escalating trade row between Beijing and Brussels. Most Chinese imports of the spirit come from France and the country's cognac makers have begged Paris to put an end to the spat, describing themselves "hostages". Speaking to journalists in Shanghai on Monday, French Foreign Trade Minister Sophie Primas said: "France is in favour of negotiations, obviously. We are not in an escalating trade war, so we need to enter negotiations." This followed an hour-and-a-quarter-long meeting Primas had with China's commerce minister Wang Wentao on Sunday evening ahead of a major trade show. Primas underlined that she had told Wang France was prepared "to take all possible technical and legal measures". "We don't ...

Source: Modernghana