Press Release: EU requests WTO consultations with the Philippines over unfair taxation of spirits

On 29 July, 2009, the European Union requested consultations with the Philippines at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regarding excise taxes on distilled spirits, which the EU considers to be discriminatory and therefore in breach of international trade rules. Imported spirits including Spanish brandy and Scotch whisky can face taxes 10 to 50 times higher than those on domestic products, and exports to the Philippines have fallen significantly as a result. The EU has raised the issue repeatedly in recent years without success, and now hopes to use the WTO consultation process to arrive at a mutually satisfactory solution.