The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) asked the U.S. government to push for distinctive recognition of American Rye Whiskey in the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (USMCA).
This treaty reaffirms protections for the distinctive recognition of products such as “Bourbon” and “Tennessee Whiskey” in Mexico and for «Tequila» and “Mezcal” in the United States.
American Rye Whiskey
DISCUS strongly supported the negotiation and passage of the USMCA by Congress, which reaffirms commitments to tariff-free trade of spirits in North America and the domestic sale and distribution of distilled spirits.
Below are U.S. exports of American Rye Whiskey, in thousands of dollars, according to Commerce Department data:
- 2018: 3,859.
- 2019: 2,873.
- 2020: 1,536.
- 2021: 3,036.
- 2022: 4,770.
- 2023: 5,344.
- 2024 (January-November): 4,968.
USMCA
According to DISCUS, there are more than 100 brands of American Rye Whiskey in the marketplace.
DISCUS strongly supported the negotiation and approval of the USMCA by the U.S. Congress, which reaffirms commitments to tariff-free trade of spirits in North America and the domestic sale and distribution of distilled spirits.
In the USMCA, Mexico agreed to initiate the process of granting distinctive product recognition for American Rye Whiskey.
DISCUS seeks the support of the U.S. government to ensure that Mexico implements its commitments under the USMCA, including initiating the process to grant distinctive product recognition for American Rye Whiskey.
U.S. spirits exports reached a value of nearly $140 million in 2023, an increase of nearly 30% over 2022.
In 2023, Mexico ranked as the third largest export market for U.S. distilled spirits.
DISCUS is the national trade association representing the leading producers, marketers and exporters of distilled spirits in the United States.
Major markets for U.S. exports of American Rye Whiskey include France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia.
From January to November 2024, exports of this beverage to Mexico were only US$33,000.