U.S. Spirits Industry Cautiously Optimistic on India Trade Agreement

The U.S. and India announced framework for a Bilateral Trade Agreement that would eliminate or reduce tariffs on American wine and spirits, drawing cautious optimism from the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS).

"Last year's tariff reduction on U.S. spirits imports to India was an important first step that opened new opportunities for bourbon producers in the world's largest whiskey market," said DISCUS CEO Chris Swonger. "With India now reaching agreements with the EU and the UK to significantly reduce tariffs on their spirits, we are hopeful that this new U.S.-India agreement will secure comparable tariff reductions across all categories of U.S. distilled spirits."

Under the interim framework, India will "eliminate or reduce tariffs on a wide range of U.S. food and agricultural products, including wine and spirits." In return, the U.S. "intends to take into consideration India's request to lower tariffs on Indian goods" during negotiations.

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