Prime Highlights:
- American whiskey exports reached $1.3 billionin 2024, showing strong global demand for Bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, rye, and single malt.
- The American Whiskey Association (AWA)is urging the U.S. government to remove trade barriers and secure fair access to key international markets.
Key Facts:
- The EU accounted for 53%of U.S. whiskey exports in 2024, following a 60% rebound after suspension of retaliatory tariffs.
- India recently reduced tariffs on Bourbon from 150% to 100%, but other American whiskeys still face high taxes.
Background:
American whiskey exports brought in $1.3 billion for the U.S. in 2024, showing strong global demand for Bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, American rye, and American single malt, the American Whiskey Association (AWA) said.
The AWA has urged the U.S. government to lift trade barriers that affect the whiskey industry. It also sent comments to the U.S. Trade Representative ahead of the 2026 National Trade Estimate Report, stressing the importance of fair and open access to global markets.
Michael Bilello, president and CEO of the AWA, said that American whiskey is a symbol of the country’s craftsmanship, agriculture, and quality. He added that to keep growing, the industry needs fair trade and zero tariffs in key markets.
The AWA’s submission identified several global trade challenges. It called for permanent zero-for-zero tariff treatment with the European Union and the United Kingdom. Between 2018 and 2021, EU retaliatory tariffs caused a 20% drop in U.S. whiskey exports. After these tariffs were suspended, exports rebounded by 60% in 2024, with the EU making up 53% of total U.S. whiskey exports.
The AWA also requested that American whiskeys, Bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, rye, and single malt be officially recognized in countries such as India, Brazil, and South Africa. In India, the world’s largest whiskey market, tariffs on Bourbon were recently cut from 150% to 100%, but other types of American whiskey are still taxed at a high rate.
Other issues the AWA pointed out include unfair provincial taxes in Canada, higher excise taxes, strict labeling rules, counterfeit products, and the need for equal tariffs in countries without trade advantages.
Michael Bilello said that American whiskey’s growth depends on stable international trade. He noted that each exported barrel helps U.S. farmers and distillers. He added that removing trade barriers would boost manufacturing, create jobs, and support the continued growth of American whiskey with quality and pride.
The AWA represents producers from all 50 states, advocating for the U.S. spirits industry and promoting its continued international growth.
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