The American Whiskey Association (AWA) has submitted formal comments to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), calling for the preservation and strengthening of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). The trade group’s filing on November 4 aims to protect American whiskey producers by ensuring fair and open trade with two of the category’s most significant export markets.
The move comes as stakeholders prepare for a mandatory joint review of the trade agreement, which replaced NAFTA in 2020 and is scheduled for its first major assessment in 2026.
In its letter, the AWA argued that American whiskey is a critical U.S. export that relies on a domestic supply chain of farmers, coopers, and distillers.
Michael Bilello, President and CEO of the AWA, said: “American whiskey is more than a product — it’s a national story of craftsmanship and economic strength.”
“Our continued growth depends on maintaining open, stable trade relationships with key partners like Canada and Mexico,” Bilello added. “Strengthening the USMCA ensures that American whiskey remains a symbol of U.S. excellence around the world.”
The AWA’s primary demand is to preserve the existing duty-free treatment for Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, American Rye, and American Single Malt Whiskey.
The association also called for the official product recognition of American Single Malt Whiskey to be expanded across Canada and Mexico. This follows a 2022 proposal by the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to establish formal standards of identity for the burgeoning category.
Additionally, the AWA urged the USTR to address “discriminatory provincial practices in Canada,” which it claims have reduced U.S. whiskey exports to the country by 85% in 2025.
Other proposals include establishing a trilateral Spirits Trade Committee to reduce barriers and modernizing labeling standards to include electronic options.
“The USMCA remains a vital framework for American whiskey,” Bilello stated. “It supports American jobs, provides U.S. producers and stakeholders with stability, and strengthens our ability to compete in global markets. Every barrel represents American workers, communities, and heritage.”
The AWA noted it would work closely with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) to advance its goals. For more information, visit American-Whiskey.org.
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