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EU and Canada trade agreement will benefit UK wine and spirits

Published:  21 October, 2013

Negotiations concluded last week for a Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) between the European Union and Canada, which will help UK distillers and wine producers import and compete more easily in Canada.

The CETA is the first free trade deal between the EU and a G8 country and will see full elimination of all import tariffs on European spirits and wines, as well as allow for more transparency in the way liquor boards operate in Canada. With 99% of tariffs removed between the EU and Canada as trading partners, a new sizeable market will provide huge opportunities for European producers, including those wine and spirits producers in the UK.

Additionally, gin, vodka and other white spirits will see a fairer competitive market as a result of the new CETA deal. Currently imported white spirits in Canada pay an import tariff, while brown spirits imported were exempt from paying such duties. According to the IWSR, Canada was the fourth largest market in 2012 for UK gin exports.

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