The Irish Whiskey Association has raised alarms over the potential impact of US tariffs on Irish whiskey exports. As the United States remains the largest export market for Irish whiskey, accounting for 5.7 million cases in 2023, the association emphasizes the urgency of resolving trade disputes that threaten this vital industry. At a time when Irish whiskey has experienced remarkable growth, doubling global sales from 7.3 million cases in 2014 to 15.6 million in 2023, the stakes are higher than ever.
During St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington, representatives from the Irish Whiskey Association called for de-escalation of the ongoing US-EU trade war. With concerns about the tariffs' potential to devastate the industry, the association is urging both parties to remove spirits from the dispute and engage in constructive dialogue.
"There is no winner in a trade war. The imposition of tariffs will impact on our businesses and our consumers. Having our sector implicated in this dispute puts jobs, investments and businesses at risk and has the potential to be devastating for Irish Whiskey." – Irish Whiskey Association
The association warns that a trade war could have dire consequences for jobs, investments, and businesses connected to the whiskey industry. They stress that the clock is ticking for a resolution and advocate for a strategic approach to address the issue of US tariffs.
The potential tariffs also pose threats beyond Ireland's borders. The association voiced concerns that tariffs could adversely affect Northern Ireland and interfere with the Windsor Framework, a key economic agreement. The need for immediate action is emphasized as stakeholders strive to protect both regional economies and global trade partnerships.
The call for resolution extends beyond the association's members. Taoiseach Micheál Martin echoed these sentiments by highlighting the broader economic implications.
"Tariffs increase inflation and are not good for the consumer and are not good for business, and that is our view." – Taoiseach Micheál Martin
In Washington, the Irish Whiskey Association reiterated its belief that dialogue remains the sole path forward to resolve the trade dispute effectively. The association's appeal underscores a commitment to collaboration between the EU and US in finding a mutually beneficial solution.