Russia is expected to join the WTO this summer, and US spirits exporters to Russia will be at a distinct disadvantage to exporters in Europe and elsewhere if PNTR is not in place before that occurs.
Distilled Spirits Council senior vice president Christine LoCascio said: “With Russia’s WTO membership, the industry will gain significant tariff reductions and other important market access improvements, but only if Congress passes PNTR. We urge the Senate to act quickly on this legislation.”
Among the benefits for the industry are 25% tariff reductions by 2015 from two Euros per litre to 1.4 Euros per litre for whiskey and to 1.5 Euros per litre for other spirits. In addition, Russia will be required to abide by internationally-accepted trade rules, including non-discrimination and transparency.
Russian imports of American whiskey, rum, and other distilled spirits have exploded in the past decade, growing 2,254% from $3.8 million in 2002 to $89.2 million in 2011. Whiskey accounted for 55% of the 2011 total, while rum accounted for 41%.
“Extending PNTR to Russia will boost American exports without risk or cost to the US. We look forward to toasting the passage of this key job-creating legislation in both houses of Congress,” LoCascio added.
