ADSA details policy wins and priorities as the spirits industry navigates trade, tax, and regulatory pressure
WASHINGTON, D.C. — December 15, 2025 — The American Distilled Spirits Alliance (ADSA) today released its 2025 Year-End Review and 2026 Outlook, outlining how the Alliance protected market access, regulatory certainty, and commercial stability for the U.S. distilled spirits industry during a year of intensified policy risk.
In 2025, producers and supply-chain partners faced evolving trade policies, rising state and local tax pressure, important public-health conversations, and increasing regulatory complexity. ADSA responded by convening industry leadership, engaging policymakers with disciplined, evidence-based advocacy, and delivering timely intelligence to support business planning and risk management.
“In an environment shaped by ongoing policy change, clarity matters,” said Amanda Nguyen, President and CEO of the American Distilled Spirits Alliance. “ADSA’s role in 2025 was to reinforce regulatory certainty, protect market access, and align the industry around disciplined, science-based advocacy so leaders can plan and invest with confidence.”
Protecting Science-Based Policy and Regulatory Certainty
ADSA participated in federal and international health-policy discussions to reinforce science-based perspectives and highlight the importance of balanced, proportionate approaches to alcohol regulation.
Domestically, ADSA maintained a trusted working relationship with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), providing early insight into labeling standards, permitting timelines, and enforcement trends that directly affect compliance costs and time-to-market. ADSA supported congressional action to close the federal hemp loophole, reinforcing a level playing field by ensuring intoxicating products are subject to consistent tax and regulatory standards.
Trade Leadership and Global Engagement
Trade remained a defining topic in 2025. ADSA positioned the spirits industry as a global trade success story, emphasizing the importance of trade and protections for uniquely American geographical indications, including Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey.
ADSA delivered the only oral testimony from the beverage alcohol sector at the U.S. Trade Representative’s USMCA hearing and provided ongoing analysis as members navigated evolving tariff threats and retaliatory measures. Internationally, ADSA strengthened engagement through the World Spirits Alliance and the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking Partnership Council.
Defending Against Harmful Tax Increases
At the federal level, ADSA helped secure the permanent extension of the rum cover-over for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, delivering long-term certainty for producers and supply-chain partners.
At the state and local levels, ADSA tracked hundreds of alcohol-related bills and played a central role in opposing proposed excise, per-drink, and local alcohol tax increases. In multiple jurisdictions, ADSA’s engagement helped prevent or mitigate measures that would have raised costs for businesses and consumers.
Positioning the Industry for 2026
Looking ahead, ADSA’s report notes forthcoming federal election dynamics, consumer conversations on trends and health, trade, emerging intoxicant categories, and state and local fiscal needs. ADSA will continue to convene industry leaders and partners to address these issues collectively and protect the competitiveness of the American distilled spirits industry.