Overview
- U.S. distilled spirits exports fell 9% year over year in Q2 2025 to $593.6 million after a record 2024, the Distilled Spirits Council reported Monday.
- Shipments to Canada dropped about 85% to $9.6 million as most provinces continue to delist American spirits despite Ottawa removing retaliatory tariffs in September; Alberta and Saskatchewan have eased moratoriums.
- Exports also slid in other key markets: European Union down 12% to $290.3 million, United Kingdom down 29% to $26.9 million, and Japan down 23% to $21.4 million.
- Distillers warn that slowing U.S. consumption and swollen inventories heighten risks of production cuts and job losses, with small craft producers reporting canceled expansion plans and unfilled positions.
- Industry leaders are urging President Trump to restore zero‑for‑zero tariffs; the White House defended its trade agenda, and Trump met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday with trade on the agenda.