French cognac businesses hopeful ‘positive’ China talks could roll back tariffs

After Chinese tariffs hammered the French cognac industry, Guilhem Grosperrin, director of the Grosperrin family brand, senses a long-awaited breakthrough – a breeze of optimism stirring in the bruised industry.

“What we are hearing is that the discussions [between Chinese and French officials] are going pretty well. The discussions are positive and the Chinese government is willing to listen to us.”

To avoid paying additional fees, Grosperrin said one of his Chinese clients refused to take an order that he had already paid for before the tariffs took effect.

“This gentleman is waiting for the negotiations to end, and [in the meantime] his money is stuck here in France,” Grosperrin said.