The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) led a trade mission of 18 American distilleries to Tokyo and Taipei from June 1–5, showcasing premium U.S. spirits across two of East Asia’s fastest-growing export markets. The mission formed part of DISCUS’ "Discover U.S. Spirits" campaign, supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program (MAP).
More than 200 Japanese and Taiwanese buyers, importers, media members, and on-premise professionals attended the events across both cities.
In Tokyo and Taipei, DISCUS hosted trade activations and exclusive media events where attendees sampled premium American spirits from craft distilleries across the country. The Tokyo program also featured an exclusive tasting event for spirits and government professionals at The Okura Tokyo.
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READ THE STORY"It is an exciting time for American spirits in East Asia," said Joel Matticks, DISCUS export promotions manager. "Both Japan and Taiwan represent promising growth markets for U.S. spirits, positioning them as key destinations for export expansion."
Featured distilleries spanned 14 states, including Westland Distillery (WA), KOVAL (IL), Uncle Nearest (TN), Garrison Brothers Distillery (TX), Old Elk (CO), Virginia Distillery Co. (VA), Greenhook Ginsmiths (NY), New Riff Distilling (KY), Gold Bar Whiskey (CA), and J. Henry & Sons Family Farm Distillery (WI), among others.
Japan ranks as the seventh largest U.S. export market for distilled spirits and the fourth largest for American whiskeys. In 2025, U.S. spirits exports to Japan totaled more than $73 million, reflecting continued demand for premium American products.
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Taiwan has shown particularly strong momentum. Over the past year, total U.S. spirits exports to Taiwan have doubled from just over $2 million to $4.1 million. American whiskey exports to the market grew from $1.5 million to $2.2 million during the same period.
"DISCUS looks forward to continuing to build upon the foundation of years of free and fair spirits trade between Japan and Taiwan and the United States, to advance the interests of U.S. producers and meet the growing demand of Japanese and Taiwanese adult consumers," Matticks added.
The trade mission underscores a broader push by DISCUS to expand the international footprint of American craft spirits. The organization’s MAP-funded initiatives have targeted key markets across Europe, Asia, and Latin America in recent years, aiming to introduce global trade professionals to the diversity of U.S. distilling. East Asia in particular has emerged as a priority region, driven by rising consumer interest in bourbon, rye, and other American whiskey categories among both hospitality professionals and adult drinkers.
