France Says Positive Outcome Possible in Cognac Probe Talks With China 

Bottles of French cognac in Paris.

Photographer: Benjamin Girette/Bloomberg

France’s trade minister said he believes Beijing and Paris can resolve a spat over duties on Cognac that is hammering French producers and complicating broader discussions on global commerce.

China imposed temporary duties on the French alcoholic beverage in October, alleging dumping practices. In March, producers won a reprieve when Chinese authorities postponed the conclusion of their investigation to July 5.