The importance of free trade agreements and non tariffs measures in a context of resurgent retaliatory trade measures against wine
Abstract
Most of the issues surrounding trade in wine and spirits focus on the fight against non-tariff measures. The intensification of trade wars and political tensions over the last few years has led to the application of retaliatory trade measures against the wine and spirits sector, undermining the progress made in this area over the last few decades. Trump taxes in 2019, increased duties for Australian wines in China, or the new obligation introduced for Cognac imports into the Chinese market… the resurgence of customs tariffs and antidumping duties, even temporary, is having a major impact on trade , with consequent losses in export volumes and value. They can lead to the loss of major markets, and even destabilize sectors, notably through the consequences on operators’ sales and profitability, grubbing-up policies, or even a reconsideration of export strategies… They can also encourage the emergence of new markets and the temporary redirection of trade efforts in their favor. Since the early 2000s, a number of countries have adopted policies favorable to wine trade, particularly non-producing countries that previously applied sometimes prohibitive tariffs. The proliferation of free-trade agreements has had a positive impact on the exporting countries that benefit from them. For importing countries, the reduction of tariffs on wines sometimes supports a specific economic development policy, such as tourism. Through various examples, the presentation will first review the context of trade liberalization and the importance of trade agreements that have facilitated the exchange of wines and spirits on international markets. It will then show the impact of retaliatory trade measures that have affected certain sectors in recent years.
DOI:
Publication date: 22/09/2025
Issue: 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine
Type: Oral
Authors
1 FranceAgriMer
2 Wine Origins Alliance