DISCUS Urges Trade Rep to Prioritize Market Access for Spirits in India

When India lowered its tariff on bottled bourbon to 100% from 150% thanks to President Trump,  exports of U.S. bottled Bourbon to India increased by nearly 22% compared to the previous year.

But significant obstacles still remain, the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., said in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer.

India continues to impose a 150% tariff on bulk Bourbon and all other U.S. distilled spirits, restricting market access and limiting growth. As a result, American Whiskey exports to India accounted for only 3% of whiskey imported to India in 2025, totaling $11.4 million in 2025, a small share of India’s overall whiskey imports, despite strong consumer demand.

The letter also noted that recent trade agreements between India and key U.S. competitors, including the United Kingdom and the European Union, could further disadvantage U.S. spirits exporters. Under those agreements, India agreed to reduce its tariffs on all EU and UK spirits to 75% upon implementation and to 40% over 10 years, improving competitive access for Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey.

“We respectfully request that the administration secure tariff reductions that are at least comparable – if not better – to India’s agreements with the EU and UK across all categories of bottled and bulk U.S. distilled spirits, ensuring our exporters have fair and competitive access to the Indian marketplace,” said Chris Swonger. DISCUS president/CEO.  “Ensuring a level playing field is essential so that American producers can compete fairly and fully realize the potential of this critically important market.”

In the letter, DISCUS commended the Trump administration’s focus on opening markets, reducing trade barriers and boosting U.S. exports, noting India, as the world’s largest whiskey market by volume. is a critical growth opportunity for American distillers.

The U.S. spirits sector is navigating a challenging domestic environment, with sales declining 2.2% in 2025, exports falling nearly 4% and distillery employment declining by 3.5% from September 2024 to September 2025. These pressures underscore the importance of securing fair and competitive access to key global markets.