US gets ruling in Philippine liquor dispute

WASHINGTON—The US says the World Trade Organization has ruled in its favor in a dispute with the Philippines over excise taxes imposed on imported liquor.

The office of the US Trade Representative Ron Kirk said the Philippines levies taxes on imported distilled spirits between 10 and 40 times higher than on local products.

Kirk said in a statement Monday that the taxes are discriminatory and inconsistent with WTO rules. He urged the Philippines to comply swiftly with WTO findings.

The Philippine taxes are set according to the product from which the spirit is distilled. The rates are lower for products like sugar used locally to make spirits including whiskey, brandy, gin, vodka and tequila.

The US is one of the world’s largest exporters of spirits.