New bill is ‘key’ to growing US spirits exports

The Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) has commended the introduction of a new trade bill which it claims is “key to opening foreign markets to American spirits producers”.

A new trade bill is “key” to expanding US spirits exports, Discus has claimed

The trade body said Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) bill, which was recently introduced in the Senate and aims to ensure congressional input for US trade priorities, should be passed “without delay”.

“This bill sends a signal to the rest of the world that the United States is serious about concluding important trade negotiations,” said Discus’s outgoing CEO Peter Cressy, who recently announced his decision to step down from his role at the end of this year.

According to Discus, the TPA will allow US president Barack Obama to ensure the country secures the “best possible agreements” for its industries, agriculture and workers.

Cressy notes that TPA legislation comes at a “critical time”, as the US prepares to conclude the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement negotiations with 11 trading partners.

“Trade promotion authority is crucial to completing market-opening agreements, such as TPP, which will benefit US spirits exporters of all sizes and support US jobs across the country,” he said.

Global spirits exports from the US have almost tripled over the past decade, reaching more than US$1.5 billion in 2014, with Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey spearheading growth.

It was revealed earlier this year that the American spirits exports to Korea had soared by 71% over the last three years following the implementation of a fair trade agreement between the two countries.

“The ability of the US to conclude high standard, comprehensive and trade liberalising agreements will help to ensure the long-term success for the industry,” added Cressy. “It is crucial that Congress pass TPA legislation without delay.”