Nine international whiskey and distilled spirits organisations have urged global leaders to come together and remove spirits export tariffs.

The organisations took the decision at the ‘W9 – Spirit of Collaboration Summit’, which was hosted by the Kentucky Distillers Association (KDA) in the US.

They urged the leaders to engage in talks that result in the removal of recent tariffs imposed on spirits exports.

Participants that were part of the summit included American Craft Spirits Association, Distilled Spirits Council of the US, Irish Whiskey & Spirits Associations, Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association, Kentucky Distillers’ Association, Scotch Whisky Association, Spirits Canada, spiritsEUROPE, and The Presidents’ Forum.

“This helps our spirits companies, large and small, to be commercially successful abroad.”

KDA president Eric Gregory said: “In Kentucky, we like to say that Bourbon brings people together. It’s actually a lesson that our legendary industry learned long ago – that we can accomplish more by working together than standing apart.

“The global whiskey industry has been built on centuries of friendship, partnership and kinship. Today, we call on world leaders to likewise work together, over a glass of whiskey or their favourite non-alcoholic beverage.”

Gregory added that the group has unanimously approved a resolution declaring open and fair trade to be essential for the future of the industry.

At the summit, the trade associations discussed collaborative solutions to recent trade policy decisions that could have long-term economic impacts on each of the country’s distilled spirits industries.

spiritsEUROPE director general Ulrich Adam said: “Spirit drinks are appreciated around the world. Wherever local economies grow and markets open, we see a rising demand for our whiskies, vodkas, cognacs or gins.

“As a true champion of open and fair trade, we very much value any efforts by public authorities to negotiate tariff removal and the elimination of non-tariff barriers. This helps our spirits companies, large and small, to be commercially successful abroad.”