U.S.–India Joint Statement Signals Historic Opportunity for American Whiskey

WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 6, 2026 — The American Whiskey Association (AWA welcomes the Joint Statement issued by the United States and India outlining a framework for an interim reciprocal trade agreement and reaffirming both nations’ commitment to continued Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations.

For American whiskey producers, the announcement signals meaningful momentum toward improved market access in the world’s largest whiskey market by volume and one of the most consequential growth markets globally.

“This moment represents historic potential for American whiskey,” said Michael Bilello, president and CEO of the American Whiskey Association. “India is already the world’s largest whiskey market by volume, and by 2047—the centennial of its independence—its middle class is expected to exceed one billion people. That scale, combined with India’s growing affinity for American-made products, makes this one of the most important long-term growth opportunities our industry has ever seen. As we’ve outlined in our recent thought leadership on why the India trade deal matters for American whiskey, this is not about a single tariff change or short-term gains—it’s about securing durable, competitive access to a market that will define global spirits growth for decades. American whiskey is built for the long game, and this agreement puts our producers in a position to compete, invest, and win.”

📄 Read AWA’s full thought leadership on the India opportunity:
👉 https://american-whiskey.org/news/why-the-india-trade-deal-matters-for-american-whiskey/

India’s market size, expanding middle class, and cultural affinity for American products underscore why improved trade conditions matter for U.S. distillers navigating uneven global demand and ongoing trade tensions elsewhere.

The American Whiskey Association will continue engaging with policymakers and monitoring developments to ensure American whiskey producers have fair, transparent, and competitive access to global markets—particularly those poised to drive growth for decades to come.

About the American Whiskey Association

The American Whiskey Association (AWA) represents the full American whiskey supply chain and works to promote, lead, and protect the industry by advocating for fair trade, expanded market access, and policies that support U.S. agriculture, manufacturing, and jobs from grain to glass—so that American whiskey becomes the world’s whiskey.