France and China Clash Over Brandy Tariffs: A Spirited Trade Dispute

France is set to contest China's import duties on brandy, labeling them political and unjustified. Trade minister Sophie Primas will address the issue during her visit to Shanghai. France believes these measures are retaliatory responses to EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, affecting its cognac exports significantly.

France is preparing to challenge China over newly imposed import duties on brandy, which Paris deems political and without justification. Sophie Primas, France's junior trade minister, is scheduled to raise the issue in Shanghai next week, diplomatic sources disclosed on Tuesday.

China's decision to implement temporary anti-dumping measures on EU brandy followed the bloc's move to levy tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. Such measures have disproportionately affected the French cognac industry, a vital part of China's brandy imports, accounting for 99% last year.

Primas's three-day visit will include discussions with China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and attending the China International Import Expo. The European Commission plans to counter these trade measures at the WTO, underscoring the tension in Sino-French economic relations.

(With inputs from agencies.)