A NEW FREE TRADE AGREEMENT CALLS FOR THE IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF A 15 PERCENT KOREAN TARIFF ON CALIFORNIA WINE. KOREAN EXCISE (AND OTHER TAXES) ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO BE LOWERED….MAKING CALIFORNIA WINES MORE AVAILABLE TO KOREAN CONSUMERS. ABOUT 90 PERCENT OF ALL U.S. WINE EXPORTS TO SOUTH KOREA ARE FROM CALIFORNIA, AND MANY OF THOSE ARE FROM CENTRAL COAST WINERIES.
WINE CONSUMPTION IN KOREA HAS REPORTEDLY GROWN 175 PERCENT OVER THE LAST DECADE.
