DISCUS Chief on Latest Tariffs, New Administration and Other Priorities

Dear Client:   Earlier this month, the European Union moved forward with retaliatory tariffs on nearly $4 billion worth of US goods, including spirits, as part of a 16-year-long dispute between the US and EU over aircraft subsidies [see WSD 11-09-2020].  "Obviously, we were greatly troubled by the EU's announcement," Distilled Spirits Council chief Chris Swonger tells WSD. The EU implemented a 25% tariff on US rum, brandy, vodka and vermouth.  "The industry is fully aligned on calling on the