Bowling Green Today

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Rand Paul and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell have called on the Biden Administration to take immediate action to protect American jobs by removing retaliatory tariffs on bourbon and spirits. This urgent plea comes as the European Union (EU) plans to impose a 50% tariff on American whiskey imports starting January 1, 2024, with the possibility of sharp tariff increases on other distilled spirits and wine imports by 2026.

The retaliatory tariffs imposed by the EU have had a significant impact on domestic spirits distillers and winemakers, resulting in billions of dollars in losses since 2018. To safeguard the 1.7 million jobs that rely on the industry, a permanent solution is needed. In Kentucky alone, the bourbon and spirits industries support over 35,000 jobs and contribute $14 million to the state's economy.

In a letter addressed to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Senators Paul and McConnell emphasized the urgency of negotiating a deal to permanently remove retaliatory tariffs on all American-made spirits and wines. They wrote, "We are deeply concerned that a lack of a permanent solution risks the re-imposition of tariffs...There are mutual benefits in finding a path forward, and our belief is that spirits and wines are a point where there can be consensus to limit the damage for all parties."

The bipartisan letter received additional support from Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, Tim Kaine, Todd Young, Mike Crapo, Mark Warner, Marsha Blackburn, Joe Manchin, Roger Marshall, Jacky Rosen, Bill Hagerty, Maria Cantwell, Katie Britt, Mike Braun, and Gary Peters.

It is evident that the imposition of retaliatory tariffs has had a devastating impact on the spirits and wine industry, both culturally and economically. The senators highlighted that in 2022 alone, U.S. distilled spirit exports reached $2.06 billion. However, the industry continues to suffer under the weight of these tariffs. Thus, the urgent need to find a resolution that benefits all parties involved.

The full text of the letter can be found on Senator Rand Paul's official website.

In conclusion, Senators Paul and McConnell have urged the Biden Administration to prioritize the removal of retaliatory tariffs on bourbon and spirits to protect American jobs and the economy. The imposition of tariffs has caused significant damage to the industry, and a permanent solution is vital to ensure the industry's survival. The bipartisan letter highlights the urgency of the matter and calls for a mutual agreement that limits the damage for all parties involved.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.paul.senate.gov/sens-paul-mcconnell-urge-biden-administration-to-protect-american-jobs-remove-retaliatory-tariffs-on-bourbon-and-spirits/