Impact of Global Trade Tensions on American Distillers
American distillers are struggling with the consequences of global trade tensions, particularly with Canada, where exports of spirits have plunged 85% earlier this year.
According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, this decline is part of broader decreases in key international markets. Kentucky craft distiller Tom Bard noted,
“Even though things have eased up, we still are not back on the shelf in Canada,”and
“Probably won’t be for a good long while.”
- Majority of Canadian provinces continue to ban American spirits from shelves.
- Canada removed its retaliatory tariff on American spirits weeks ago.
There is concern that consumer reaction to trade conflicts could reduce the international demand for American spirits in key markets.
Author's summary: Trade tensions hurt US distillers.