Irish Whiskey Tariffs – Newstalk Radio Interview
Irish Whiskey Tariffs
I was interviewed on Newstalk Radio in Ireland this week, along with economist and former finance minister of Greece, Yanis Varoufakis, about U.S. tariffs and their implications for the Irish Whiskey industry.
These are challenging times for Irish Whiskey, but our brands, especially our small and craft brands, are agile, innovative and resilient. We also feel for our American Whiskey colleagues who, like us, are caught up in uncertainty and confusion, which is not our making. As I said in the interview, we are fortunate that the Irish Government, including our Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, and our diplomatic representatives in Washington, Brussels, and Strasbourg, is committed to supporting our sector. This shared effort should inspire confidence in our collective resilience.
If, as seems likely, the EU Commission responds with targeted countermeasures, I would like to remind our political and diplomatic leadership that the Irish Whiskey sector depends heavily on U.S. whiskey and wood products to supply the ex-Bourbon casks used in our distilleries. A tariff on Bourbon or U.S. wood will further constrain our production and highlight our sector’s vulnerabilities. A calm and considered response is essential. This is no time for knee-jerk reactions or statements.
Bord Bia (the Irish Food and Drink Export Board) will play a crucial role in the coming weeks and months by leading centralised promotion of Irish Whiskey. They will also provide targeted marketing advice and financial support at the brand level as we identify, open, and develop new markets globally. Recognising this support can help stakeholders coordinate efforts effectively.
At the national level, the Irish Government might consider reviewing the relatively high excise levels for alcohol in Ireland. They could also explore expanding the existing EU-approved excise rebate scheme for craft producers of beer, cider, wine, and Perry to include craft spirits producers in Ireland. These measures could provide vital relief and support for our industry during this challenging period.
At the EU level, perhaps consideration could be given to member states agreeing to harmonise excise rates across the EU marketplace.
Just some thoughts on how we can all make it through this unfortunate situation as proud Irish and European spirits brands and companies. Our strength lies in our unity and shared commitment to overcoming these challenges together.
Together we will stand, and together we will make it.
You can listen to a podcast of the interview at https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/highlights-from-the-hard-shoulder/what-effects-will-trumps-tariffs-have.
My interview is in the second half of the programme.
Stuart McNamara (@WhiskeyBlogger) is an international Whiskey Blogger who edits several International Whisk(e)y and Whiskey Tourism sites including IrishWhiskey.com and WhiskeyBlogger.com. Holding a Post Graduate Diploma with Distinction in the Science of Brewing and Distilling from Technological University Dublin, he has served as Chair of the Irish Craft And Artisan Distilleries Association (ICADA) and is an elected member of the National Council of ISME, the Irish SME Association. He is also the creator and editor of International Irish Whiskey Day which is celebrated on 3/3 or 3rd March each year and had a global social media reach in 2021 of over 20 Million. He is a Director of Portmagee Whiskey and has also acted as both a brand and product development consultant to several other Irish Whiskey and other spirits producers.
