Trade tensions: wine and spirit exports

Question for written answer E-002598/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Thierry Mariani (PfE)

China's decision to impose customs duties on importers of spirits, in response to EU taxes on its electric vehicles, presents a serious threat to French exports of cognac and armagnac. This comes at a time when there are already trade tensions with the United States.

To de-escalate their aviation dispute, the EU and US agreed to suspend the retaliatory tariffs imposed on each other. The US thus introduced a moratorium on additional taxes for wines and spirits that runs until 31 December 2025, while the EU has announced a suspension of taxes on US products until 31 March 2025.

In the light of the above:

• 1.Will the Commission align the periods of suspension of EU and US tariffs in order to create a coherent negotiating window and safeguard the interests of European spirits exporters?
• 2.Will it ensure that European producers have fair access to the Chinese market, while protecting vulnerable sectors from possible retaliatory measures?
• 3.How will it get the Member States and trade organisations involved to be able to effectively defend European producers in these strategic trade negotiations?

Submitted: 20.11.2024