French cognac businesses hopeful ‘positive’ China talks could roll back tariffs

In a blow to France, Beijing hit EU brandy with duties after the bloc targeted made-in-China EVs – but industry insiders now optimistic about resolution

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An employee checks cognac bottles on the bottling line of Chateau de Montifaud cognac producer in Jarnac-Champagne, south-western France, on March 20, 2025. Photo: AFP

Published: 5:30pm, 4 Jun 2025Updated: 6:20pm, 4 Jun 2025

After Chinese tariffs hammered the French cognac industry, Guilhem Grosperrin, director of the Grosperrin family brand, senses a long-awaited breakthrough – a breeze of optimism stirring in the bruised industry.

Following recent talks between the two countries – including a phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron – he said he was hopeful that Beijing’s duties on French cognac could soon be rolled back.

“What we are hearing is that the discussions [between Chinese and French officials] are going pretty well. The discussions are positive and the Chinese government is willing to listen to us.”

Last October, Beijing imposed temporary anti-dumping duties on brandy and cognac imported from the European Union in retaliation for the bloc’s tariffs on made-in-China electric vehicles.

To avoid paying additional fees, Grosperrin said one of his Chinese clients refused to take an order that he had already paid for before the tariffs took effect.

“This gentleman is waiting for the negotiations to end, and [in the meantime] his money is stuck here in France,” Grosperrin said.