French wines and cheeses protected in China

Brussels hailed a “ first significant bilateral trade agreement signed between the European Union and China ”. Member States gave the green light on Tuesday to the agreement with China on their protected geographical indications (PGIs), aimed at defending appellations ranging from French champagne to Greek feta.

The text, under discussion since 2010, was signed in November in Beijing by Phil Hogan, then European Commissioner for Agriculture, on the sidelines of the visit to China of French President Emmanuel Macron. It lists 100 European local products and as many on the Chinese side which will be protected from imitations and usurpations. Those of French origin take the lion's share with 26 IGP, mainly wines, spirits and cheeses, including Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Saint-Émilion, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Calvados, Cognac, but also Agen, Comté and Roquefort prunes. Also on the list are Irish whiskey, Munich beer, Polish vodka, Greek ouzo, or Portuguese port, as well as many cheeses, such as Spanish manchego or Italian mozzarella di bufala campana.

To read also: "Until when will France and the European Union be crushed by China?"

For its part, China obtains the protection of many teas, such as the famous Pu'er, alcohols such as moutai, or several types of scented mushrooms.

China is the second destination for EU agri-food exports, whose PGI products represent 9% in value.

The text still needs to be ratified by the European Parliament. The date and place of his final signature have not yet been decided. Four years after its entry into force, the scope will be extended to cover 175 additional geographical indications from both parties.