Kentucky distillers express concern about tariffs

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – During his first administration, President Donald Trump enacted tariffs on steel and aluminum for the European Union.

This led to taxes on U.S. products in response, including a 25% whiskey tariff.

From 2018 to 2021, Kentucky’s distillery industry took a notable hit on exports when this tariff was in place, and industry leaders told lawmakers that they are anxious about the impact that a second round of tariffs could bring.

Kentucky Distillers Association President Eric Gregory told lawmakers in Frankfort that the industry is bracing for a second round of tariffs.

Gregory says, “It will cripple our exports industries, and at that point, we’ve never had that problem before, but I cringe to think what could happen with more whisky from a domestic standpoint that could hurt our smaller craft distilleries.”

Gov. Andy Beshear was also asked about how these tariffs will impact Kentucky.

He said that while he is concerned about them generally, he’s most worried about how they’ll impact our state’s job market and price of goods.