According to the website of the Ministry of Commerce, on April 8, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao held a discussion with French brandy enterprises and industry associations in Paris, France, and exchanged views on the cooperation between the French brandy real estate industry and China.

Wang Wentao pointed out that China's anti-dumping investigation of EU brandy is initiated at the request of the domestic industry, does not target any specific EU member states, does not preset the results of the investigation, China will be open and transparent in accordance with Chinese laws and WTO rules, and fully protect the rights of stakeholders.

Wang Wentao said that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France, and China-France economic and trade cooperation enjoys broad prospects. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with the French business community and promote the stable development of bilateral economic and trade relations. China has the advantage of a large scale market and huge consumption potential. 2024 is China's "consumption promotion Year", and consumers' demand for high-quality imported products will further increase. French companies are welcome to actively participate and share China's development opportunities.

Three industry associations participated at the meeting including: the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac,and the Fédération des exportateurs de vins et spiritueux de France, along with leaders from five key wine and spirits companies, including Pernod Ricard, LVMH, and Rémy Cointreau.   The participants expressed their gratitude for the organization of the meeting, which allowed for direct communication and voiced their willingness to actively engage with the Chinese investigation process and continue their commitment to the Chinese market.

According to data released by China Customs, China imported 43.3 million liters of brandy last year worth US$1.75 billion. France alone accounted for 96.16% of the total volume and 99.27% of the total value of brandy imports into China.