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The
tit-for-tat move potentially gives Chinese negotiators leverage
in talks with the EU on reducing or eliminating the tariffs of
up to 35.3% on Chinese EVs, 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 “substantial damage” to domestic
producers.
China has opened a series of anti-dumping investigations into
European brandy, pork and dairy products as a now year-old EU
investigation into Chinese EV exports has progressed through
various stages.
The brandy probe was the first and targeted mainly 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.
China is studying whether to raise tariffs on imported cars with
large engines, a Commerce Ministry spokesperson confirmed
Tuesday in an online report from state broadcaster CCTV.
The provisional tariffs on brandy 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 presented Chinese leader Xi
Jinping with two bottles of cognac when the two exchanged gifts
during Xi's state visit to France in May.
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