While the industry has generally been on alert for higher trade hurdles recently, U.S. whiskey makers are set to see some relief in the promising India market, with that country pledging to reduce tariffs on Bourbon from 150% to 100%. The news came as part of a larger trade agreement between U.S. President Trump and India Prime Minister Modi.

India is a huge whiskey market, dominated by domestically-produced offerings, with American whiskey so far making limited inroads. “American Whiskey exports to India were less than what was exported to Singapore, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates,” at under $9 million last year, DISCUS noted.

“This significant accomplishment opens opportunities for U.S. distillers to increase their exports to the world’s largest whiskey market and bolster American manufacturing jobs,” said DISCUS president and CEO Chris Swonger. “India’s 150% tariff on Bourbon imports has severely restricted access to the Indian market for U.S. spirits exporters for far too long.”—Daniel Marsteller