India Slashes Tariffs on Bourbon Import by One-Third

Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today welcomed the announcement that India will immediately reduce its 150% tariff on Bourbon imports to 100%.

“We applaud President Trump for his leadership in securing this historic reduction of India’s prohibitive tariff on Bourbon,” said Chris Swonger, DISCUS president/CEO. “This significant accomplishment opens opportunities for U.S. distillers to increase their exports to the world’s largest whiskey market and bolster American manufacturing jobs. India’s 150% tariff on Bourbon imports has severely restricted access to the Indian market for U.S. spirits exporters for far too long.

In 2024, India was the 23rd largest export market for American Whiskeys.  American Whiskey exports to India totaled $8.8 million.  Despite being the world’s largest whiskey market by volume, American Whiskey exports to India were less than what was exported to Singapore, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.

 Through its partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, DISCUS has conducted a campaign in India since 2023 to educate Indian importers and media about the distinctiveness and versatility of American whiskeys and other spirits.