American distillers are struggling with global trade tensions, particularly in Canada, where exports of spirits plunged 85% earlier this year.
“Even though things have eased up, we still are not back on the shelf in Canada,” said Kentucky craft distiller Tom Bard. “Probably won’t be for a good long while.”
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States reported that the majority of Canadian provinces continue to ban American spirits from shelves, despite Canada removing its retaliatory tariff on the products weeks ago.
Another concern for American distillers is the potential impact of consumer reaction to trade conflicts on the international demand for American spirits in key markets.
Author's summary: US distillers face trade challenges in Canada.