Reuters reports that China has signalled French wine could face retaliation if France pushes the EU towards tougher tariff measures against Chinese imports, a warning that underlines how politically exposed premium wine and spirits exports can be when trade rows escalate, and comes as investors watch for knock on effects across French drinks groups and their Asian sales.
EU
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EU Parliament Backs New Measures to Protect and Promote the Wine Sector
The European Parliament says MEPs backed new legislation designed to help wine producers manage market pressures and climate risks, and to open opportunities in tourism and exports. The press release highlights clearer labelling for no and low alcohol wines, with “alcohol-free 0.0%” for wines at or below 0.05% ABV and “alcohol reduced” for wines above 0.5% ABV that are at least 30% lower than the category’s standard strength before dealcoholisation. It also outlines extra crisis support for extreme weather and disease, EU funding options for grubbing up, and higher co-financing for promotion, including wine tourism and third-country marketing, with the deal now needing Council approval to enter into force.