U.S. spirits export sales hit a record high of $2.06B in 2022, representing a 30% increase from the previous year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).
Contributing factors include lifting tariffs, ongoing "premiumization" trends, the reopening of hospitality, and increased U.S. distilleries.
U.S. spirits export growth has been driven by American whiskeys, which account for 62% of all value-added shipments.
- Other distilled spirits, such as vodka, rum, and gin, also showed strong growth in 2022.
- Exports of U.S. spirits to the EU, which account for 34% of total exports, increased by 25% in 2022, surpassing pre-tariff levels from 2017.
- Canada was the second-largest customer, with $268M of exports in 2022.
DISCUS urges the Biden administration to secure the permanent removal of tariffs, as the threat of tariffs returning continues to stifle growth in key markets.
- In January, DISCUS reported spirits revenue led the U.S. total beverage alcohol sales for the first time in 2022.
