Drinks Ireland and the Irish Whiskey Association express disappointment as EU-US Framework Trade Agreement fails to return Spirits and Alcohol Products to zero-for-zero tariff level

“Drinks Ireland and the Irish Whiskey Association, representing Irish drink manufacturers and exporters, understand that a return to the zero-for-zero trading arrangement between the EU and US has been prioritised by the Irish Government and European Commission in recent negotiations on trade. Nevertheless, we are disappointed that today’s EU-US Joint Statement on a framework agreement on reciprocal, fair and balanced trade has not achieved this much-needed return to zero-for-zero. This is a missed opportunity to help businesses facing unprecedented and exceptional pressure here, and we need Government and our EU negotiators to continue their work in pressing for reciprocal zero tariff trade on spirits and drinks products between the EU and US.”

Cormac Healy, Director of Drinks Ireland which encompasses the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA), said that “the EU and US agreed to this zero-for-zero arrangement in 1997, and this greatly benefitted our shared sector on both sides of the Atlantic. It is therefore logical to return to this as quickly as possible. As it currently stands, Irish Whiskey and drinks producers face a 15% tariff when exporting to the USA - our biggest market. This, combined with a weakened dollar, has placed significant pressure on our distillers, and some have unfortunately had to close their doors. A return to zero-to-zero would alleviate pressure on these companies, which account for annual exports valued at €2.1 billion.”

“Our EU negotiators must remain at the negotiating table to secure a swift return to the zero-for-zero trading position, that had, until recent times, been in place for almost 3 decades. A return to the zero-for-zero arrangement will not only benefit exporters in the EU, but will protect investments and employment on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Mr Healy also called on Government to deliver targeted sector supports for under-pressure businesses to help sustain them as they contend with these new tariffs on exports to the US. Increased market development and diversification supports are immediately required to assist drinks manufacturers, as well as sustainable financing facilities and enhanced cost of business supports.”

ENDS