Statement from the American Whiskey Association on New U.S. Trade Agreements with Cambodia and Malaysia

WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 27, 2025 — The American Whiskey Association (AWA) applauds the U.S. Trade Representative and Ambassador Jamieson Greer for securing new trade agreements with Cambodia and Malaysia, a development that strengthens opportunities for U.S. spirits exports and reinforces America’s leadership in global trade.

“These new agreements mark meaningful progress for American whiskey producers and for the broader U.S. spirits industry,” said Michael Bilello, President & CEO of the American Whiskey Association. “By expanding market access and reducing tariffs in Southeast Asia, the administration is opening the door for one of America’s most iconic exports — American whiskey — to reach millions of new consumers.”

Bilello continued, “American whiskey represents the best of American craftsmanship and industry — from grain grown by U.S. farmers and barrels made from American white oak to distillers, coopers, and hospitality workers across all 50 states. Every bottle tells a uniquely American story of hard work, quality, and pride.”

The AWA emphasized that fair and reciprocal trade is essential to ensuring continued growth and stability across the entire American whiskey supply chain. With American whiskey accounting for more than 54% of all U.S. spirits exportsand generating over $5.2 billion in annual economic impact, access to emerging markets like Malaysia and Cambodia is vital to sustaining jobs, investment, and innovation at home.

“We commend Ambassador Greer and the USTR team for this step forward and join our partners at DISCUS in calling for a permanent return to zero-for-zero tariffs across all key markets,” Bilello said. “When trade flows freely, American whiskey thrives — and so do the American workers and communities behind it.”

For more information, visit www.american-whiskey.org.