News Archive
U.S.-Bolivia Agreement Signed Recognizing Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey As “Distinctive Products” of the U.S. in Exchange for Recognition of Singani
United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Bolivia’s Foreign Minister Karen Longaric signed an agreement today to officially recognize each countries native distilled spirits. Under the agreement, the United States will recognize Singani, a type of brandy, as a distinctive product of Bolivia; and in return, Bolivia will recognize Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey as distinctive […]
Read MoreDistilled Spirits Council of the United States President & CEO Chris Swonger released the following statement applauding Senate passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):
“The USMCA will help ensure the continued growth of the U.S. spirits industry, promote job growth and drive economic prosperity in the United States. We are grateful to President Trump and members from both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate for their advocacy on this issue. The bipartisan agreement supports distillers, farmers […]
Read MoreDistilled Spirits Council of the United States President & CEO Chris Swonger statement on the signing of the Phase One trade agreement between the United States and China
“The Phase One trade agreement between China and the United States, which led to China’s suspension of additional tariff increases on certain U.S. spirits products, is a sign of real progress and a welcomed first step. We appreciate the Trump Administration’s efforts to address longstanding trade barriers with China. We commend China and the Trump […]
Read MoreAlcohol Trade Groups Urge USTR to End Tariffs on Beverage Alcohol Products
For Immediate Release: January 13, 2019 Alcohol Trade Groups Urge USTR to End Tariffs on Beverage Alcohol Products Tariffs beginning to impact U.S. jobs and availability WASHINGTON – U.S. jobs have been eliminated and hiring halted due to the current U.S. tariff on certain EU distilled spirits and wines, and up to 78,600 […]
Read MoreDISCUS President & CEO Chris Swonger Statement Regarding President Donald Trump Signing Into Law a One-Year Extension of the Craft Beverage Modernization & Tax Reform Act
“We are thankful to President Trump for his swift action in signing into law the year-end spending and tax bill, which contains a one-year extension of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act. This bill supports small businesses and helps craft distillers reinvest in their employees, their businesses and their communities. Because of the […]
Read MoreDistilled Spirits Council Statement on House Passage of USMCA
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States President & CEO Chris Swonger released the following statement hailing House passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): “Today’s vote in the House to approve the USMCA is a critical step forward in efforts to secure a modern, rebalanced agreement […]
Read MoreDistilled Spirits Council Statement on Senate Passage of Year-End Spending & Tax Bill
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States President & CEO Chris Swonger released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed a one-year extension of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act: “Craft distillers can take a collective sigh of relief knowing that both the House and Senate have passed a one-year extension of […]
Read MoreLeaders from the Distilled Spirits Industry Applaud Senate Leader McConnell for Support of Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act
Following the introduction of legislation that contains a one-year extension of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (S.362/H.R. 1175), the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States President and CEO Chris Swonger, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory and the American Craft Spirits Association CEO Margie A.S. Lehrman applauded Senate Majority Leader Mitch […]
Read MoreDistilled Spirits Council Statement on House Passage of Year-End Spending & Tax Bill
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States President & CEO Chris Swonger released the statement below following the U.S. House of Representatives passage of a one-year extension of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (S.362/H.R. 1175): “The distilled spirits industry is grateful for the House passage of a one-year extension of the Craft […]
Read MoreStatement by Distilled Spirits Council of the United States President & CEO Chris Swonger in Response to the Inclusion of a One-Year Extension of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act in the Year-End Legislative Package
“We are thrilled that lawmakers included a one-year extension of the federal excise tax reduction for distillers in the year-end legislative package. While not yet a done deal, this is a significant relief for craft distillers across the country who were facing a 400 percent tax increase beginning January 1. We will continue to urge Congress to do the right […]
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