China is raising tariffs on several types of alcohol, including vermouth, brandy, and whisky, in a move that is expected to further strain the country’s sluggish liquor market.

According to an announcement from the State Council Tariff Commission, starting Jan. 1, 2025, the tariff on bottled vermouth and similar beverages will increase from 14% to 30%. When combined with excise and value-added taxes, the total tax burden on vermouth will jump from 42.13% to 63.22%, marking a 21.09% point increase.

Despite the hike, vermouth from Australia, Chile, and Georgia will remain exempt from tariffs due to China’s existing free trade agreements with those countries.

The government is also removing a 5% provisional tariff on brandy and whisky, meaning both spirits will now be subject to the 10% most-favored-nation (MFN) tariff rate. As a result, the total tax burden on these spirits will rise from 48.31% + 0.912 RMB per liter to 55.38% + 0.912 RMB per liter.

Meanwhile, EU-produced brandy, which dominates the Chinese market, has been preliminarily found to be subject to anti-dumping measures by Chinese authorities. Importers of EU brandy will be required to pay a deposit ranging from 30.6% to 39.0%, though they can currently submit a letter of guarantee in place of an upfront payment.

Vermouth remains a niche product in China, accounting for just 0.15% of the country’s total wine imports in 2024. Vermouth is a fortified wine infused with botanicals such as leaves, roots, and fruits.

Though sometimes grouped with port and sherry under fortified wine, the latter two fall under a different tariff classification in China and remain subject to a 14% tariff and a 42.13% total tax burden, which are unchanged under the new policy.

In 2024, China imported 622,066 liters of vermouth worth US$2.5 million, an increase of 5.66% in volume and 24.66% in value from the previous year, based on customs data.

Martini, owned by Bacardi, is one of the leading vermouth brands in China and will likely be most affected by the hike. The Italian brand’s products are sold in convenience stores, supermarkets, and online platforms, with an average price of 88 yuan (US$12) per bottle.

Italy remained China’s largest supplier of vermouth in 2024, exporting 227,584 liters worth US$1.14 million, up 41.86% in volume and 67.9% in value year-over-year. Other key suppliers included France, Spain, Germany, and Moldova.