The Association of Foreign Spirits (Aprobex) said that Chilean wine imports dropped to 41,520 boxes in the first two quarters of 2001 from 81,439 boxes imported in the first half of 2000. This means a 42.5% decline in taxes paid, despite a considerable increase in taxes. Jose del Castillo of Aprobex says taxes make up most of the price of wine and other spirits in the DR. Whiskey sales are also considerably down. El Siglo reports that the Customs Bureau may adjust the Selective Consumption Tax in time for Christmas imports in order to reduce the cost of wine and other spirits and increase consumption and taxes.
