The signing of the Phase One trade agreement between China and the U.S. has led to the suspension of additional tariff increases in China on certain U.S. spirits.
China agreed to suspend the increase of tariffs on U.S. distilled spirits including: American brandy, whiskey, gin, cordials, and liqueurs. Current tariff rates will remain in place, which includes 30% on whiskey and brandy, 35% on gin, liqueurs, cordials, and other distilled spirits, as well as 40% on rum and vodka.
However, China and the Trump Administration are working to negotiate towards a Phase Two agreement, which will remove the remaining tariffs on U.S. spirits products.
Source: Distilled Spirits Council, January 2020