Biden must step in to stop massive tariff hike on US liquor: lawmakers
, industry
It is up to the Biden Administration whether to pursue a stop to a massive tariff hike on US liquor that is set to take effect on April 21, 2021. The U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer proposed the new 300% tariff on imports of imported distilled spirits in December and certain industry groups had launched an effort to get the Biden Administration to reverse the policy. Lawmakers have raised concerns over the tariffs, raising concerns about the impact on jobs and on small businesses that depend on the imported spirits. The U.S. Distilled Spirits Council has urged President Joe Biden to issue an executive order exempting distilled spirits from the tariffs or to direct the USTR to withdraw its proposal. Industry groups argue that the tariffs are anti-consumer and will hurt small businesses and raise the cost of distilled spirits for American consumers. It is yet to be seen what actions the Biden Administration will take, but lawmakers and industry groups urge the new Administration to step in to reverse the policy.