U.S. Tariffs "Potentially Devastating" For Irish Whiskey, Says Trade Group

US tariffs on alcohol from the European Union (EU) have the "potential to be devastating," the Irish Whiskey Association has warned, Raymona Crozier and Jessica Lawrence reported for BBC News.

Irish whiskey has experienced a decade of remarkable growth, with global sales more than doubling from 7.3 million cases in 2014 to 15.6 million in 2023, the US being the largest export market. I Photo: Irish Whiskey Association Linkedin 

Last week, US President Donald Trump threatened a 200% tariff on all alcohol imported from the bloc unless the EU removes what he called a "nasty 50% tariff on US whiskey." This marks the latest escalation in a global trade war, following the EU’s announcement of 25% tariffs on US steel and aluminum imports on Wednesday.

The Irish Whiskey Association, which is currently in Washington for St. Patrick's Day celebrations, called the tariff escalation "extremely concerning," warning that a US-EU trade war could put jobs, investments, and businesses at risk.

Irish whiskey has experienced a decade of remarkable growth, with global sales more than doubling from 7.3 million cases in 2014 to 15.6 million in 2023.

The US is by far the largest export market, accounting for 5.7 million cases in 2023. While the trade is dominated by major brands like Jameson and Powers, dozens of new craft distilleries have also been targeting the US market.