EU tariff threats are crushing craft whiskey distillers like me

Fox News - Mar 30th, 2025

The United Refining Company Chairman John Catsimatidis joined 'Fox & Friends' to discuss the potential impacts of President Donald Trump's latest tariffs on countries purchasing oil and gas from Venezuela. However, a more pressing issue is the looming threat of a 50% European Union tariff on American whiskey, which could severely impact the US whiskey industry's growth and heritage. The tariffs, set to take effect on April 13, could halt decades of progress in the European market, posing a significant threat to small distilleries that have thrived under fair trade conditions.

The implications of these tariffs are vast, affecting not only the distilleries but also the broader supply chain, including local agriculture and manufacturing sectors. The American whiskey industry, which has seen exponential growth from 50 distilleries in 2005 to over 3,000 today, faces uncertainty as international markets are crucial for their expansion. Jeff Quint, founder and CEO of Cedar Ridge Distillery in Iowa, highlights the critical need for the Trump administration to negotiate a zero-for-zero tariff deal to preserve this iconic American industry. The potential setback could not only hinder export opportunities but also disrupt the longstanding cultural legacy of American whiskey, impacting jobs and local economies significantly.

Donald Trump Us Eu Relations Trade War American Whiskey John Catsimatidis Jeff Quint Cedar Ridge Distillery Eu Tariffs

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RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and engaging look at the impact of EU tariffs on American whiskey producers, particularly small distilleries. It effectively uses historical context and personal narratives to highlight the significance of the issue. However, it lacks balance and source diversity, primarily presenting the perspective of American producers without engaging with EU policymakers or trade experts. While the article is clear and accessible, its one-sided narrative and limited source variety reduce its potential impact on public opinion and policy discussions. Overall, it is a well-written piece that could benefit from a more comprehensive exploration of the broader trade dynamics at play.

Accuracy

The article accurately outlines the potential impact of EU tariffs on American whiskey, citing a 50% tariff threat and its implications for small distilleries. It correctly notes the prior 25% tariffs imposed by the EU in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, which led to a significant drop in whiskey exports. However, the article mentions an exact date of April 13 for the new tariffs, which is slightly off as the implementation has been delayed to mid-April. The article's claims about the rebound in exports after the suspension of tariffs are supported by data, but specific financial impacts on individual distilleries like Cedar Ridge require further verification.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of American whiskey producers, particularly small distilleries, and their struggles with international tariffs. While it effectively highlights the challenges faced by these producers, it lacks a balanced view by not including perspectives from EU policymakers or other stakeholders who might justify the tariffs. This one-sided narrative could lead to an incomplete understanding of the broader trade dynamics and the reasons behind the EU's actions.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly articulates the potential impact of tariffs on American whiskey producers. It effectively uses historical context to highlight the significance of whiskey production in the U.S. and the potential consequences of the trade dispute. The language is straightforward, making the complex issue of international trade accessible to a general audience.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on the testimony and perspective of Jeff Quint, founder and CEO of Cedar Ridge Distillery. While he provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by small distilleries, the article would benefit from additional sources, such as trade experts or EU representatives, to provide a more rounded view. The reliance on a single source can limit the depth and reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article provides a clear account of the challenges faced by American whiskey producers due to tariffs, but it lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to gather data or the potential biases of the source. While the article is transparent about the author's affiliation with Cedar Ridge Distillery, it does not explore potential conflicts of interest that might influence the narrative.