Bowling Green Today

In a joint effort to protect American jobs and alleviate the burden on bourbon and spirits producers, U.S. Senator Rand Paul and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell have written a letter to the Biden Administration. The letter urges the administration to take immediate action in order to safeguard the millions of jobs that rely on American bourbon and spirits producers.

The European Union (EU) is set to impose a 50% tariff on American whiskey imports starting January 1, 2024. Additionally, American wine and other distilled spirits imports could face significant tariff increases by 2026. These retaliatory tariffs have already cost domestic spirits distillers and winemakers billions of dollars since 2018.

To address this issue, the senators are calling on U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to negotiate a deal that would permanently remove the retaliatory tariffs on all American-made spirits and wines. They emphasize the urgency of finding a permanent solution to prevent the re-imposition of tariffs.

"Spirits have had a significant cultural impact in our country, and currently have a profound impact on the U.S. economy," the senators wrote in their letter. "Our belief is that the imposition of additional tariffs on this industry is detrimental."

The senators highlight the importance of the bourbon and spirits industries, which support over 35,000 jobs in Kentucky alone and contribute to over $14 million in state economic activity. They stress the need for a mutually beneficial agreement that limits the damage for all parties involved.

The bipartisan letter has also gained 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.

The urgent request from Sens. Paul and McConnell underscores the economic significance of the bourbon and spirits industries and the potential consequences of the EU's retaliatory tariffs. The Biden Administration now faces the task of negotiating a solution that will protect American jobs and ensure the continued success of these industries.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.paul.senate.gov/sens-paul-mcconnell-urge-biden-administration-to-protect-american-jobs-remove-retaliatory-tariffs-on-bourbon-and-spirits/