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Discus urges US-EU tariff truce

The Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus) and Spirits United are urging consumers to take action and call for an end to all tariffs on distilled spirits between the EU and the States.

Discus is urging the US to end its trade dispute with the EU and not add additional tariffs to imported spirits

The US introduced a 25% tariff on single malt Scotch, single malt Irish whiskey and liqueurs from the EU last October. The EU responded with its own 25% tariff on American whiskeys.

Now, the US Trade Representative (USTR) is considering additional tariffs on imported spirits due to an ongoing aircraft subsidies dispute with the EU. Spirits that could be hit with tariffs include gin and vodka from the UK, Germany, France and Spain.

The USTR is taking comments from the public on whether additional tariffs should be imposed until 26 July.

Discus is urging consumers to “come together and urge USTR to work with the EU to remove all tariffs on distilled spirits and not impose any further tariffs”.

Discus and Spirits United have created a campaign encouraging people to tell the USTR “that we need #ToastsNotTariffs”.

The organisations have set up a page with an email template for people to send to their local officials as part of the consultation.

Discus and Spirits United said in a statement on the page: “Tariffs are unfair taxes on consumers like you, the distilled spirits industry, partner sectors like farming, trucking and your favourite local bars and restaurants where your favourite spirits are sold, and which have been facing enormous economic uncertainty because of Covid-19.

“As we continue to struggle economically due to Covid-19, more than ever, we need #ToastsNotTariffs and we need your help.

“Together, let’s tell the Trump Administration and the United States Trade Representative that we need #ToastsNotTariffs.”

To view the email campaign, visit www.p2a.co/yrfbbV7.

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