Indy Standard

U.S. Senators Todd Young, Catherine Cortez Masto, Tim Kaine, and Rand Paul have taken a significant step in urging the Biden Administration to address retaliatory tariffs that threaten the American whiskey and spirits industry. In a letter directed to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, the senators emphasized the urgency of negotiating with the European Union (EU) to prevent substantial economic repercussions.

The EU is poised to impose a 50% tariff on American whiskey imports starting January 1, 2024. This move could be followed by increased tariffs on American wine and other distilled spirits by 2026. The senators highlighted that since 2018, these retaliatory tariffs have cost domestic distillers and winemakers billions of dollars.

The bipartisan group stressed the importance of finding a permanent solution to protect over 1.7 million jobs in production, distribution, and hospitality sectors tied to this industry. Indiana alone benefits significantly from this sector, supporting over 26,000 jobs and contributing more than $2.9 billion to its economy.

In their letter, the senators wrote: “We write today to request an expedited agreement with the European Union (EU) to secure the permanent removal of retaliatory tariffs on spirits and wines.” They further expressed concern about potential risks if no permanent solution is reached: “We are deeply concerned that a lack of a permanent solution risks the re-imposition of tariffs.”

Chris Swonger, President & CEO of Distilled Spirits Council, expressed gratitude for these efforts: “We thank these Senators for working to protect American jobs by calling on the Administration to quickly reach an agreement with the EU to avoid a 50 percent tariff on American Whiskey exports.”

Joining Senators Young, Cortez Masto, Kaine, and Paul in signing this letter were Senators Mitch McConnell, Mike Crapo, Mark Warner, Marsha Blackburn, Joe Manchin, Roger Marshall, Jacky Rosen, Bill Hagerty Maria Cantwell Katie Britt Mike Braun Gary Peters John Cornyn.