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.
Tax
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Pubs Brace for Pass Through Costs, Wine Mentioned in the Price Rise Mix
LBC says pubs and producers are warning customers to expect price increases as the duty rise comes into force, and it explicitly calls out the duty bump for a 14.5% bottle of red wine. It frames the change as another squeeze point for hospitality, arguing that venues have limited room to absorb tax and operating cost rises. The piece also repeats the broader context that duty was announced earlier and is now arriving at tills, with the impact expected across both on trade and off trade sales.
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UK Alcohol Duty Rise Triggers Fresh Wine Price Warnings
Sky News reports that a 3.66% alcohol duty increase due to take effect on Sunday 1 February is prompting industry warnings of knock-on price rises, including for wine, as producers and retailers pass costs through. The report highlights that while duty is paid by manufacturers, the sector expects a “trickle down” impact at the till, and it points to cumulative increases on wine duty over recent years as pressure builds. The duty rise was confirmed in the autumn budget by Rachel Reeves, with the article emphasising the change applies across beer, wine, and spirits.