Attaché Report (GAIN)

Japan: Update to Japan's Liquor Tax

This report highlights the harmonization of specific liquor taxes on alcoholic beverages that took effect on Oct.1st, 2024. U.S. exports of these products are not directly affected, but exporters should be aware of these changes.
On December 25, 2024, Türkiye unexpectedly increased the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on distilled spirits by 12.5 percent, excluding domestically produced raki.
Attaché Report (GAIN)

Finland: Finland Takes Steps to Ease Alcohol Regulations

The Finnish Government wants to reform its alcohol policy to promote fair and open competition. It is therefore proposing that the alcohol monopoly ALKO and Finnish food retailers can sell alcoholic beverages online and deliver to a location indicated by the buyer.
International Agricultural Trade Report

Opportunities for U.S. Agricultural Products in Colombia

Colombia is the largest South American market for U.S. agricultural products and the seventh-largest market for U.S. food and beverage exports globally. Since the U.S. – Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA) was implemented in 2012, U.S. agricultural exports have grown by more than 235 percent to a record $3.7 billion in 2023.
This report provides information on the purchase process of Sweden's alcohol monopoly Systembolaget, its different labeling and sustainability guidelines, as well as an analysis of the 2022 sales data per product group - wine, beer, liqueur, whiskey, cider, and mixed drinks.
Japan’s National Tax Agency (NTA) proposed to recognize Single Malt Welsh Whisky as a geographical indication (GI) alcoholic beverage from the United Kingdom (UK).
Changes to UK alcohol tax rates were implemented on August 1, 2023. The UK government calls this an alcohol duty, but it is an excise tax charged at the point of production or importation of drinks of alcoholic strength exceeding 1.2 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) – the percentage of pure alcohol per liter of product.
International Agricultural Trade Report

Japan’s Reopening Signals Export Opportunities

Japan has a well-developed food retail market that demands high-quality, high-value agricultural and food products. Despite reduced economic activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, trade data show that agricultural imports have remained resilient.