Wang yi addresses on china-EU cagnac spat during his visit to france

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the cognac trade spat during his meeting with his French counterpart on Friday. China launched an anti-dumping probe into EU brandy in Jan 2024 and confirmed dumping in July 2025, imposing 27.7%–34.9% tariffs for five years from July 5. But EU exporters who agreed to set minimum prices can skip the duties, easing pressure on France’s $3 billion-a-year cognac industry to sell in China, the world’s largest cognac market by value.

Speaking alongside his Chinese counterpart, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot welcomed the “diplomatic efforts led by two presidents”.

Wang Yi’s Europe visit aims to lay the groundwork for a summit between Chinese and EU leaders, with the EV tariffs and rare earth export controls high on the agenda.