Statement by Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Chris Swonger on the EU’s Implementation of the Turnberry Agreement
We see this as a very encouraging development. The approval of the agreement removes the immediate threat of the EU reimposing retaliatory tariffs on August 6, 2026, bringing much-needed relief to U.S. distillers, many of whom were bracing for another round of tariffs in a key export market.
The EU’s action provides short-term stability and creates an important opportunity to build on the U.S. and European Union’s joint commitment in the agreement to consider additional sectors and products for relief from tariffs, paving the way for the permanent return to zero-for-zero tariffs on spirits.
-30-
