SWA statement in support of Distilled Spirits Council testimony to USTR

The SWA welcomes the joint efforts of several US trade associations to set out why the potential imposition of tariffs on EU spirits, including Scotch Whisky, would be counter-productive to industries on both sides of the Atlantic.

We stand united with US distillers and other European spirits producers. Our sector has a longstanding commitment to free-trade, which has boosted jobs and investment and given consumers freedom of choice and the opportunity to support world-class distilled products.

After twenty years of tariff free access to US and EU markets, any tariffs on spirits could result in a loss of productivity, investment and employment.

We repeat our call for the de-escalation of damaging tariffs, urging the US and EU to come to a negotiated settlement without impacting unrelated sectors.