AWA Calls for Talks to End Restrictions Against U.S. Spirits, Return to Open Access

American Whiskey Association President Michael Bilello urged policymakers in both the U.S. and Canada "to use this moment to reach a negotiated solution that ends discriminatory restrictions on U.S. spirits, restores commercially meaningful access for American whiskey and returns the U.S.-Canada trading relationship to the fair, open and reciprocal footing expected between close allies."

The continuing prohibitions on purchase and sale of U.S. alcohol in most Canadian provinces "have caused real, irrefutable and irreparable harm to American distillers, farmers, cooperages, exporters and hospitality partners," Bilello said.

"Our goal is not escalation for the sake of escalation (but) restored access. Additional tariffs risk deepening tensions and inviting further retaliation at a time when producers and hospitality businesses on both sides of the border need stability."