U.S. Spirits Exports Hit Record $2.4 Billion in 2024 Amid Global Trade Uncertainty
U.S. spirits exports reached a record-breaking $2.4 billion in 2024, marking a significant rebound for the industry as global demand climbed and markets responded to ongoing trade negotiations and tariff concerns. The latest figures come from the American Spirits Exports Report, published Thursday by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).
“U.S. spirits exports hit a new high in 2024, recapturing lost market share since the UK and EU lifted retaliatory tariffs that were applied between 2018 and 2021,” said Chris Swonger, DISCUS President and CEO. “Unfortunately, ongoing trade disputes unrelated to our sector have caused uncertainty, keeping many U.S. distillers on the sidelines and curtailing sales growth.”
The European Union led the growth, with exports to the region surging by 39%, fueled by concerns over a potential return of a 50% tariff on American whiskey imports in 2025 — a tariff that was suspended in 2022. The EU accounted for approximately half of all U.S. spirits exports last year, totaling $1.2 billion and reaffirming its place as the largest international market for American distillers.
Tensions escalated further in March when former President Donald Trump threatened to impose 200% tariffs on French Champagne and other European spirits. In response, leaders from France, Ireland, and Italy urged that bourbon not be included in any future retaliatory measures. While the risk of such tariffs has since lessened amid ongoing U.S.-EU trade negotiations, the climate of uncertainty pushed some buyers to act preemptively, boosting export activity.
However, not all markets saw growth. Exports to the rest of the world declined nearly 10% in 2024, reflecting a global slowdown in the alcohol category. Japanese-owned Suntory Beam, which produces Jim Beam, began stockpiling supply in Europe in anticipation of possible trade disruptions. France and the United Kingdom have remained central to its export strategy, accounting for more than half of its global market over the past eight years, according to trade data from Panjiva.
Top 5 states exporting U.S. spirits:
Tennessee ($934 million)
Kentucky ($751 million)
Texas ($354 million)
Florida ($334 million)
Indiana ($142 million)
Still, American whiskey exports, which accounted for 54% of all U.S. spirits exports, dipped 5.4% to $1.3 billion. Analysts attribute the decline to lingering global trade volatility and cautious international buying behavior.
Swonger emphasized that trade policy remains one of the largest variables for future growth. “The data is clear — exports go to countries that have eliminated tariffs,” he said. “We are thankful for President Trump’s early success in securing India’s reduction of its tariff on bourbon from 150% to 100%. It’s our hope the administration builds on this momentum by securing additional tariff reductions in India and reducing trade barriers in other countries.”
Nonetheless, major headwinds persist. In March, Canada — the second-largest export market for U.S. spirits — imposed a 25% tariff on American alcohol, prompting several provinces to remove U.S. products from store shelves. At the same time, American distillers and brewers continue to face higher costs due to steel and aluminum tariffs, which affect packaging and production. Constellation Brands, citing expected tariff impacts, recently revised its financial guidance for 2027 and 2028 downward.
Though trade uncertainty remains a central challenge, the record-setting year underscores the global demand for American spirits — particularly in markets where tariffs have been reduced or removed.
