US exports of spirits hit a record high last year thanks to the EU

 U.S. spirits exports are set to reach a record $2.4 billion in 2024, up 10% from the previous year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).

Half of all exports went to the European Union, which imported 39% more spirits from the US last year than the year before – worth $1.2 billion.

Meanwhile, US shipments to the rest of the world fell by almost 10% last year.

According to DISCUS CEO Kris Swonger, quoted in the DISCUS report, the rise in exports to record levels was mainly due to the removal of tariffs in the European Union and the UK between 2018 and 2021, but current trade disputes are creating uncertainty that could negatively impact supply.

In March, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 200% tariff on imports of French champagne and other alcoholic drinks. In response, the EU has expressed its willingness to impose duties on American whiskey. However, in recent weeks, concerns about these duties have subsided as the EU and the US have been working towards a trade agreement, notes CNBC.

The top five main export markets for US spirits last year also included Canada ($221 million), the UK ($137 million), Australia ($131 million) and Mexico ($126 million).

More than half of all exports (54%) were of American whiskey, whose producers sold 5.4% less abroad last year than the year before – at a cost of $1.3 billion. More than half of these shipments were to the EU ($699 million).