Concerns about a global trade war are bringing whiskey trade groups from around the world to Kentucky. Representatives will meet in Louisville this Wednesday and Thursday (July 25-26) to discuss how they can unify to preserve free and fair trade. Tariffs have already been imposed on bourbon in some overseas markets and, according to President of the Kentucky Distillers Association Eric Gregory, they’re affecting short-term sales. He warns there is real potential for long-term damage, and says the whiskey industry needs to have a unified voice.
Gregory says, “You know, there are times when you kind of need to get the family together and talk about issues, and this is one of those times – to sit down and have an open discussion about what’s going on, and what we can do to work together to promote and preserve free and fair trade.” |
Whiskey producers from Canada, Europe and Japan, as well as groups representing the Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky, will meet with the Kentucky Distillers Association this Wednesday and Thursday in Louisville. Gregory says it’s a first-of-its-kind gathering for these organizations.