French Foreign Minister’s Mission: Protecting Cognac and Promoting Diplomatic Efforts in China
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is visiting China to protect cognac and armagnac from potential permanent tariffs. He aims to engage China in influencing Russia to negotiate peace regarding the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, Barrot advocates for dialogue to prevent trade wars, asserting France’s opposition to unilateral actions. The cognac industry is under dual threat from both China and U.S. tariffs.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is undertaking a significant mission in China on Thursday and Friday. His primary objective is to safeguard cognac and armagnac from the potential permanence of provisional customs measures on European brandy products set to take effect on April 5. This mission aims to prevent a substantial price increase of 34% to 39% on these beverages, a hike that China initially imposed last autumn.
Moreover, Minister Barrot’s agenda extends beyond trade matters. He seeks to engage China in efforts to halt the ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasizing that China could play a crucial role in persuading Russia to participate in serious negotiations. During a joint press conference with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Barrot stated, “China has a role to play in convincing Russia to come to the negotiating table with serious proposals and in good faith.”
The discussions between Barrot and Wang also covered environmental commitments, yet the primary focus remained on avoiding a potential trade war. Barrot expressed France’s position against trade conflicts, advocating for productive dialogue particularly between the EU and China. He acknowledged the discussions occurring simultaneously with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in China.
Barrot is resolute about defending French cognac and armagnac producers against what he described as China’s restrictive measures. He expressed hope for a swift resolution regarding these tariffs. For the Chinese authorities, the tariffs on European brandies serve as an ‘anti-dumping’ measure in response to high customs duties the EU imposed last year on Chinese electric vehicles.
An article from Le Figaro reported that Barrot aims to extend Beijing’s deadline to July. This is critical for the cognac industry, currently facing additional challenges from the U.S. After former President Trump instituted a 25% tariff on aluminium and steel imports, the EU retaliated by threatening to revive tariffs on various American products, including bourbon. In response, the U.S. announced a potential 200% tariff on all imported alcoholic products from the EU, effective April 2.
Despite these tensions, the Chinese Foreign Minister provided reassurances to Barrot, although no official changes have been announced thus far. Wang Yi remarked that both nations should opt for “multilateralism over unilateralism” and work towards “mutual benefit and win-win outcomes instead of decoupling and isolation.” It is anticipated that French Prime Minister François Bayrou may accompany Barrot to China in the near future, as suggested by French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard during a recent cognac industry meeting.
The visit of French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to China primarily aims to protect the cognac and armagnac industries from potential permanent tariffs imposed by the Chinese government. Beyond economic concerns, Barrot seeks to engage China in diplomatic efforts regarding the war in Ukraine and underscores France’s stance against trade wars. The outcome of this mission is pivotal, especially in light of simultaneous challenges from the United States, highlighting the interconnectedness of global trade relations and political stability.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
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