‘Critical’ bill to boost US spirits exports

Members of the US spirits trade have hailed the passage a new bill they claim is “critical” in enabling the industry to increase its foothold in the emerging markets.

The Trade Promotion Authority bill will play a “critical” role in boosting spirits exports, says Discus

The Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) has applauded the Senate for passing the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) bill, which aims to ensure congressional input for US trade priorities.

As such, Discus believes the bill will help US spirits gain batter access to foreign markets and able the industry to “confront formidable trade barriers” in markets where the US does not have free trade agreements.

“There is a growing global demand for US spirits,” said Peter Cressy, CEO of Discus. “Trade agreements have contributed directly to record US spirits exports, which have more than doubled over the past decade.”

Discus notes that in 2014, global US spirits exports reached an “all time high” of more than US$1.5m – the eighth consecutive year that exports of American-made spirits exceeded the billion dollar mark.

According to the trade body, TPA will both help large distillers compete on a level playing field around the world, and provide an opportunity for small producers to introduce their spirits to new markets.

“By continuing to expand the industry’s market access around the world, we can build upon the recent export growth, which is a victory for large and small distillers – and for the US economy as a whole,” he claims.

Data revealed earlier this week showed that exports of American whiskey and Bourbon declined in the first part of 2015, hitting the total value of spirits exported from the US.