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Global whisk(e)y leaders call for end to tariffs
Nine leading whisk(e)y associations are calling for the removal of tariffs imposed on their products as a result of the ongoing trade disputes with the US.
Nine whisk(e)y associations gathered for the W8 – Spirit of Collaboration Summit this week
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) hosted The W8 – Spirit of Collaboration Summit earlier this week (25-26 July) in Kentucky. The summit saw the nine groups come together to discuss “collaborative solutions” to recent trade disputes between the US and other nations around the globe.
The other associations joining the KDA are: American Craft Spirits Association, Distilled Spirits Council, Irish Whiskey & Spirits Associations, Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association, Scotch Whisky Association, Spirits Canada, Spirits Europe and The President’s Forum.
KDA president Eric Gregory said that the groups have approved a resolution declaring that an “open and fair trade” is “essential for the future of the industry”.
The group also welcomed the announcement on Wednesday (25 July) that the EU and US are to “de-escalate the current trade dispute and address tariff issues, and calls for removals of tariffs”.
Distilled Spirits Council interim president and CEO Clarkson Hine called the move “an important step in the right direction”.
He said: “US whiskey exports are a great American success story, and these trade disputes threaten the global competitiveness of American-made whiskeys that create jobs throughout the entire supply chain, from farmers to distillers to the retail market and consumers.
“We stand side-by-side with our domestic and international colleagues to urge continued dialogue that restores the tariff-free market access that has benefited producers and consumers for the past two decades.”
According to the Distilled Spirits Council, global US spirits exports reached US$1.64 billion in 2017. American whiskeys accounted for nearly 70% of the total.
Ulrich Adam, director general of Spirits Europe, said: “As true champion of open and fair trade, we very much value any efforts by public authorities to negotiate tariff removal and the elimination of non-tariff barriers. This helps our spirits companies, large and small, to be commercially successful abroad.
“The benefits are manifold and substantial – and go well beyond our sector, including our suppliers, distributors, and customers around the globe.”