The St. Louis based drinks producer Luxco, has announced that it has brought forward the transatlantic shipping schedules of its American whiskey brands, amidst uncertainty about trade tariffs between the UK, EU and the US.

The company is accelerating the movement of its popular Kentucky Bourbons including Yellowstone Select, Rebel 100 and Ezra Brooks 99, as it aims to protect retail selling prices for consumers.

In December 2023, President Biden signed an agreement with the EU that suspended retaliatory tariffs on US distilled spirits and EU steel and aluminium. The suspension for US distilled spirits entering the EU is due to end on 31st March 2025, with any changes to this possibly hinging on renegotiations for US tariffs on imports of EU steel and aluminium.

Commenting on the news, Greg Mefford, Managing Director of International Business at Luxco, said: “The inventory that we had scheduled for shipping in quarters two and three this year, will now arrive in Europe before the end of March. We’re going early to minimise how any future changes in trade tariffs impact the pockets of American whiskey fans across Europe and the UK.”

He went on to say: “There’s uncertainty about what the US government will or won’t do with trade tariffs and a looming 31st March deadline. After this date, American whiskey entering Europe will be exposed to a 50% tariff. We’re working on cost and pricing strategies to mitigate this, and early shipping is one option that we’re pursuing.”

The Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, which is part of Luxco, recently announced it was increasing exports of its Yellowstone American Single Malt Whiskey to the UK and Europe by 22%. The boost followed the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) establishing American Single Malt Whiskey as a US Government recognised and protected style, leading to growing demand for the Yellowstone expression.