Dear ACSA Member,

Some of our craft members export their spirits. In the future, more will look to do so to expand their businesses. Some of our members are also involved in the import of spirits. 

Regrettably, spirits on both sides of the Atlantic have become pawns in a trade war that has nothing to do with our industry. This is a long-standing dispute regarding subsidies for foreign airline manufacturers. ACSA believes that spirits should not be part of this trade war.

As such, we are encouraging our members that have strong feelings on the issue to express their views to the U.S. Trade Representative. 

Below is a link that can take you directly to the comment portal, where you can express your views. Comments must be submitted by mid-night on July 26, 2020.  https://comments.ustr.gov/s/docket?docketNumber=USTR-2020-0023

We have also taken the liberty to suggest a model email/talking points that you may want to personalize to express your concerns on this issue:
I am a small, craft distiller in the U.S. There is no good reason for craft spirits to be a part of retaliatory tariffs by the U.S. or EU in a trade dispute involving large companies that manufacture airplanes.  

Our industry has been crippled through the closing of tasting rooms throughout the U.S.  due to COIVID 19.  As an industry, nearly half the revenue our businesses generate comes from on-site sales. To make matters worse, the spirits industry lives under antiquated laws on direct shipping to customers that vary from state to state, making it even harder to conduct business during the pandemic.   

American whiskey and bourbon have become popular overseas. Exporting is a potential growth market for our craft industry. 

In October 2019, twenty-five percent retaliatory tariffs have been imposed by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on certain wines and spirits from the EU. Now USTR is proposing to raise those tariffs up to 100 percent and expand the categories of wine and spirits subject to retaliatory tariffs.   

We should not be pawns in a trade war over commodities and manufacturing unrelated to spirits. Both the EU and the U.S. need to come to the negotiating table and re-establish a free trade regime for spirits as soon as possible.

Thank you for your consideration of these views. 
ACSA is the only 501(c)(6) national trade group representing craft spirits producers in the U.S. 

 PO Box 701414
 Louisville, KY 40270