The Distilled Spirits Council issues tariff plea to incoming US President Trump

The spirits industry will ask incoming US President Trump to exempt producers from his planned import tariff programme after he takes office on 20 January. In his election campaign Trump promised to protect American industry and force other countries to buy more US products by imposing tariffs of at least 10% on foreign made goods imported into the United States in a bid to eliminate the country’s trade deficit. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, whose members include all the major global producers, says it will argue that spirits should be exempt from the tariffs given so many liquors can only be produced in legally defined countries of regions. These include Scotch and Irish whiskies, Tequila and Cognac. “We’d ask for an exemption based on the distinct origin of these products,” Chris Swonger, president and CEO of Discus, told Reuters, adding that while the trade body recognises the intent of Trump’s proposals, spirits are unique because the country or region of ...