American Whiskey Association Statement on Congressional Call for Investigation into Canadian Provincial Restrictions on American Alcohol Products

WASHINGTON, D.C. —July 9, 20206 —  The American Whiskey Association today issued the following statement from President & CEO Michael Bilello following the introduction of federal legislation calling for a U.S. Trade Representative Section 301 investigation into Canadian provincial restrictions affecting the importation and distribution of American alcoholic beverages, including American whiskey.

“Congressional attention to Canadian provincial restrictions on American alcoholic beverages is both timely and warranted. AWA appreciates Congresswoman Tenney’s efforts to raise awareness of the impact these restrictions have had on American whiskey, as well as other actions by policymakers and stakeholders aimed at resolving this issue and restoring fair market access.

Canada has long been one of American whiskey’s most important export markets. When provincial liquor boards restrict, remove, or block American products from normal commercial channels, the harm does not stop at the distillery. It reaches U.S. grain farmers, American white oak foresters, cooperages, distillers, warehouse teams, logistics providers, exporters, hospitality businesses and rural communities across the American whiskey supply chain.

American whiskey is not asking for special treatment. It is asking for fair treatment. Our products should be able to compete in Canada based on quality, heritage, craftsmanship and consumer demand, not be caught in politically driven market disruptions or discriminatory provincial practices.

A Section 301 investigation would provide an important process for examining whether American alcohol producers are being denied fair and commercially meaningful access to one of the United States’ closest and most important trading partners.

The United States and Canada have a long and important trading relationship, and that relationship is strongest when markets are open, rules are clear and producers on both sides of the border are treated fairly.

AWA will continue working with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure American whiskey is protected, treated fairly and able to compete in Canada and around the world.”

Background

Federal legislation introduced in Congress would direct the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate a Section 301 investigation into Canadian provincial restrictions on the importation and distribution of American alcoholic beverages through provincial liquor boards.

Canada has historically been one of the most important export markets for American whiskey. Recent provincial restrictions affecting U.S. alcohol products have created significant concern for American producers and the broader American whiskey supply chain.

American whiskey is a uniquely American agricultural and manufactured product. It begins with U.S. grain farmers growing corn, rye, wheat and barley, depends on American white oak and cooperages, and supports distillers, warehouse teams, logistics providers, exporters, hospitality businesses and rural communities across the United States.

About the American Whiskey Association

The American Whiskey Association is the singularly focused global voice for American whiskey. AWA works to lead, protect and promote American whiskey by advancing fair trade, tariff relief, market access, export competitiveness, product integrity and global recognition so American whiskey can compete fairly, grow responsibly and continue delivering value to American workers, rural communities and consumers around the world.