Tariffs and a potential trade war have the U.S. whiskey industry worried

American-made whiskey sales have taken a hit in recent years due to high inflation.

However, tariff threats and a potential trade war with Canada and Mexico have the spirits industry on edge. Now, tariffs are threatened against the European Union.

The 27-nation trade bloc recently announced retaliatory tariffs, which are set to begin on April 1st.

American whiskey producers should see their tariff rates grow from 0 to 50%. Distillers say it would be catastrophic and could force many out of their largest export market.

Related Stories
Water access—not acreage alone—is driving where irrigation expands or contracts.
Mike Steenhoek, with the Soy Transportation Commission, shares his outlook on current grain stocks and transportation lines amid bumper crops filling bins across the United States.
American soybean and corn leaders, along with Canada’s AgriFood sector, testified before the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office in support of the trade pact between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
The FAO Food Price Index for November fell by more than 1 percent in November, marking the third straight month of declines.
Buying a real Christmas tree directly supports U.S. farmers facing rising import competition, long production cycles, and weather-driven risks.
Milk output is rising, but steep drops in Class I–IV prices are tightening margins heading into 2026.
Weaker U.S. dairy prices come as value-added exports expand and ingredient inventories tighten, creating mixed market signals for producers.
WTO gauges point to agricultural raw materials trade growing more slowly than overall goods, reinforcing the need to manage export risk and monitor policy shifts closely.
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.