Trade organisation The Kentucky Distillers’ Association has backed the postponement of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imports into the US from Canada and Mexico.
Late on Monday (3 February), Trump announced a 30-day suspension of 25% tariffs on goods from the two countries. Subsequently, the president of the KDS, Eric Gregory, released a statement advocating the decision.
“Kentucky Bourbon creates thousands of jobs, spurs economic development and brings America’s only native spirit to shelves across the globe,” said Gregory. “We commend President Trump and President Sheinbaum of Mexico and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau for working on a resolution and suspending tariffs for 30 days.
“We look forward to permanent agreements that will enable Kentucky bourbon to be enjoyed internationally.”
On Sunday, the Canadian division of Anheuser-Busch InBev released an advertising campaign highlighting the domestic production of some of its brands in the country, following the confirmation of the threatened tariff on imports over the weekend.
Additionally, in retaliation to the development, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) announced it would remove all US-sourced alcohol from its stores and website, as well as “stop all purchase of all US products, and cease wholesale sales of these products to restaurants, bars, grocery and other retailers”.
Since then, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has agreed to pause all retaliatory measures following yesterday’s development.
