Lawmakers are aiming to halt a tariff increase on American liquor exports to Europe, which could rise to 50% on Jan. 1.
This stems from retaliatory tariffs imposed by the EU in response to heavy tariffs set by President Trump on European steel and aluminum imports.
The looming tariff increase threatens the spirits industry, with bipartisan senators urging the Biden administration to find a resolution. (Trending: Elon Musk Condemns Arrest Of Jan 6 Protester)
Addressed to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, a letter signed by Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Mark Warner, D-Va., along with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and twelve other lawmakers claimed the American whiskey industry exports decreased from $702 million to $440 million, a loss of 20%, between 2018 and 2021.
“Spirits have had a significant cultural impact in our country, and currently have a profound impact on the U.S. economy. In 2022 alone, U.S. distilled spirit exports reached $2.06 billion. But the impact of the retaliatory tariffs was devastating,” the group of senators from both parties wrote to Biden.
“There are mutual benefits in finding a path forward, and our belief is that spirits and wines are a point where there can be consensus to limit the damage for all parties,” they said.
The impact of these tariffs has been significant, causing a decline in exports and affecting various businesses.
Brooke Glover, owner of Swilled Dog distillery in West Virginia said, “We’re just collateral damage.”
The uncertainty surrounding the potential tariff reimposition is causing distress among trade organizations representing diverse interests.
Most Popular:
Biden Bank Records Reveal Another Massive Bombshell
Democrat Accused Of Blocking Release of Jeffrey Epstein Flight Logs
Hunter Biden Indicted on 9 New Criminal Charges, Faces 17 Years