Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Chris Swonger issued a statement on the U.S. and EU Agreement to Extend the Suspension of EU Tariffs on American Whiskey until March 31, 2025. Swonger said on Dec. 19, 2023: “We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Biden administration to secure an extended suspension of the EU’s retaliatory tariffs on American Whiskeys. We urge the administration to continue striving for a permanent end to all debilitating tariffs in disputes unrelated to the spirits sector. Until the threat of these tariffs returning is fully removed, the uncertainty will continue to restrict American Whiskey export growth in our most important international market.” The U.S. distilled spirits industry regained its footing in the EU market since the EU suspended its 25% retaliatory tariff on American whiskeys in January 2022. The U.S. spirits industry has seen positive results, with American whiskey exports to the EU bouncing back to surpass pre-tariff levels, he outlined. As a result of the tariff suspension, American whiskey exports to the EU increased by 29% in 2022 compared to 2021, reaching $566 million in 2022. This accounted for 44% of all American whiskey exports, surpassing the pre-tariff level of $518 million in 2017. Through October 2023 (the latest data available), American whiskey exports to the EU are up nearly 64% as compared to the same period in 2022 (January-October).