The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has welcomed a decision from the US not to place tariffs on beer imported from the UK.
The US Trade Representative was considering revising the retaliatory tariffs it has placed on various goods imported from EU countries to include beer made from malt. Last night, it was announced that while tariffs will remain on other products, such as Scotch whisky, beer will continue to be excluded.
The BBPA said the outcome was a welcome relief for British brewers who are looking to recover their businesses following the covid-19 lockdown, and is a positive move for the future of trade for the sector with the US.
Currently, more British beer is sent to the USA than to all of the non-EU nations combined. The USA is also the single biggest market for British brewers, worth £107m alone.
BBPA chief executive, Emma McClarkin, said: “Due to the fallout they are facing from the covid-19 lockdown and the impact it has had on domestic sales of beer, exports like those to the US will be crucial for Britain’s brewers as they start to recover their trade.
“This is a positive signal of intent from the US for a good future trading relationship with UK brewers, enabling further growth for them in the US market. We would like to thank the Department for International Trade for conveying the concerns of our sector to the US Trade Representative, who clearly listened to them.”
