[Revealed] Trump and Elon's Shocking New Plan for America

Three patents could help President Trump and Elon Musk completely revolutionize a $23 Trillion market. This revolution is about so much more than just self-driving cars. Instead, what Elon's pivoting Tesla towards... Is a market that's 1,000X BIGGER. But a project THIS big can't stay under the radar for long...

Kentucky bourbon makers fear becoming 'collateral damage' in Trump's trade war

BRUCE SCHREINER and DYLAN LOVAN
March 11, 2025

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- With a new distillery set to open soon, the makers of Brough Brothers bourbon in Kentucky were ready to put their business plan into action. They were looking to ramp up whiskey production to break into lucrative new markets in Canada and Europe.

Now the on-again, off-again threat of tariffs has disrupted those plans.

Efforts by the Black-owned distiller to gain a foothold in Canada are on hold, as are plans to break into Germany and France, said Brough Brothers Distillery CEO Victor Yarbrough. That's because the iconic American spirit's widening global appeal is caught in the crossfire of trade conflicts instigated by President Donald Trump.

"It's extremely frustrating," said Yarbrough, who started the Louisville distilling company with his brothers, Bryson and Chris. "We are collateral damage."

For distillers looking to sell to consumers of all political stripes, talking politics can be as distasteful as discussing Prohibition. But along with the turmoil and uncertainty over tariffs, bourbon makers and other U.S. firms trying to do business in Canada are confronting public relations challenges still reverberating from the president's blunt-force "America First" approach to international relations.

With Canadian hockey fans booing the U.S. national anthem and some liquor stores north of the border clearing American spirits from their shelves even before there's clarity over tariffs, businesses like Brough Brothers are watching to see how the trade conflict plays out.

In the building being converted into the new distillery near the Ohio River, drywall dust covers the floor of the project that the brothers hope will raise the company's profile in the ultra-competitive bourbon world.

"I believe there's going to be some type of repair of the relationships that needs to happen," said Yarbrough, who was hoping, before the trade war erupted, to introduce his bourbon in New Brunswick and later expand to Ontario and other parts of Canada. "So I think some type of media blitz, PR blitz is definitely going to have to take place."

An expanding market hampered by uncertainty

The trade wars pose an immediate threat to an American-made success story, built on the growing worldwide taste for bourbon, Tennessee whiskey and other products.

Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear said the president's zig-zagging tariff policy is hurting the American economy and will lead to higher consumer prices while disrupting business.

"It's not just the imposition of tariffs, it's this month-to-month, 'I may do it to you at any moment' policy," said Beshear, a potential presidential candidate in 2028. "You can't create stability."

Trump on Thursday postponed 25% tariffs on some imports from Canada for a month amid fears of the economic fallout from a broader trade war. Yarbrough said his company's expansion plans are still in limbo.

"It doesn't change our situation," he said. "Just as quickly as it changed to a reprieve, it could just as quickly turn into next month that we're back on."

For an industry that has to plan well into the future, based on aging its whiskey products, such angst is widespread in Kentucky, which produces 95% of the world's bourbon supply. At this point even a delay in tariffs wouldn't alleviate the practical problems confronting U.S. whiskey makers.

"The issue for us is long-term planning, and a postponement does nothing for us in long-term planning except leaves it still up in the air," said Judy Hollis Jones, president and CEO of Buzzard's Roost in Louisville, which sells to two provinces in Canada and has been looking to expand.

"Maybe other people adapt to it easier than I do, but I tend to like some certainty," Jones said.

The Kentucky Distillers' Association says the newest trade conflicts feel like deja vu. The industry group has long sounded the alarm that tariffs and retaliatory levies would wreak havoc on the spirits industry. Along with the North American trade dispute, the European Union is set to reinstate a tariff by April 1 on American whiskey if nothing is done to head it off.

That trans-Atlantic dispute is a reprise of Trump's first-term tariffs on European steel and aluminum. The EU's retaliatory tariff caused American whiskey exports to the EU to plunge 20%, costing distillers more than $100 million in revenue from 2018 to 2021, the Distilled Spirits Council says. Once the tariff was suspended, EU sales rebounded for American distillers.

Threat of 'irreparable harm' to distillers

Now, Europe's infatuation with Kentucky bourbon and other U.S. spirits is threatened by the potential 50% tariff -- double the previous levy -- that would inflict "irreparable harm to distillers large and small," said Chris Swonger, the council's CEO.

Tariffs amount to a tax, which whiskey producers can either absorb in reduced profits or pass along to customers through higher prices -- and risk losing market share in highly competitive markets. In 2024, the EU was by far the largest export market for U.S. distilled spirits, followed by Canada, the council said.

Trump maintains that open trade has cost the U.S. millions of factory jobs and that tariffs are the path to American-made prosperity.

Large distillers possess the capital and market reach to ride out disruptions caused by tariffs -- built-in luxuries that most small producers don't have.

Canada accounts for just 1% of total sales for Brown-Forman Corp., the maker of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, and the Louisville-based company could withstand disruptions there, said its CEO, Lawson Whiting.

But Whiting said the decision by Canadian provinces to take American products off store shelves is "worse than a tariff because it's literally taking your sales away." He called it "a very disproportionate response to a 25% tariff."

The threat of a prolonged trade war has Brough Brothers exploring other options. They could lean harder into domestic sales or look for other markets overseas -- but again, it's hard to plan.

"Talking about this is starting to make my head hurt," Yarbrough said.

For Tom Bard, another Kentucky craft distiller, the risk is that all his hard work to gain a foothold in Canada could evaporate due to the cross-border trade conflict.

Bard and his wife, Kim, own The Bard Distillery in Muhlenberg County in western Kentucky. Their products had penetrated British Columbia and Alberta, but a new purchase order for north of the border is on hold amid Trump's ever-changing trade war.

"That hurts," Bard said. "For a small distillery like us, where every single pallet that goes out the door makes a huge difference, that's huge for us."

Bard said his team invested heavily to break into Canada, where business grew so quickly that he had hoped it would account for at least 25% of his overall sales this year.

"We'd love to ship as much of it as we can to Canada," Bard said. "We just expanded our distillery to take advantage of all the global demand for our products. What we hate is that once we get this equipment online this year, that we won't be able to run it full throttle because we'll be afraid to put too much inventory away not knowing what's going to happen."

The dispute needs to be resolved before Canadian distributors will risk accepting shipments of American spirits, he said.

Bard plans to ramp up domestic distribution to try to make up for lost sales in Canada.

"We're small-business Americans, so we're going to make it work," he said. "But it would be nice to not have these roadblocks."

___

Associated Press writer Paul Harloff in New York contributed to this report.

Continue Reading...

Popular

Georgia governor names labor commissioner and vaults first Hispanic woman into statewide office

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday Bárbara Rivera Holmes, the head of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, as the state's next labor commissioner.

Steve Bannon Accidentally Revealed 'Secret' Trump Plan? - Ad

With one executive order, Trump could dismantle the rigged financial system--and return America to the gold standard. He's been stockpiling gold since 1974... should you? Discover the "Trump Loophole" to move funds from your IRA & 401(k) into gold--tax free!

A players' group founded by Novak Djokovic files an antitrust suit against tennis' organizers

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The players' association co-founded by 24-time Grand Slam champion filed an antitrust lawsuit against the women's and men's professional tours, the International Tennis Federation and the sport's integrity agency on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in New York, calling “a cartel.”

Washington Won't Save You--but This 4-Step Plan Might - Ad

America's economy is unraveling--soaring costs, skyrocketing debt, and Wall Street insiders dumping stocks. This isn't a recession--it's an economic breakdown. Stocks could crash 50%, real estate 40%, and inflation will eat your savings. But history shows: the biggest crashes create the biggest fortunes--if you act now!

Brazilian authorities suspend the airline involved in last year's crash that killed 62

SAO PAULO (AP) — aviation agency on Tuesday suspended the operating license for local airline Voepass, citing security risks as an investigation continues into a that killed all 62 people on board.

Tesla tumbles again as investors bail on Elon Musk's suddenly struggling electric vehicle company

Shares of Tesla are sliding again Monday as confidence in Elon Musk's electric car company continues to disintegrate following a post-election “Trump bump.”

Are you owed an extra $2,105 a month in extra cash? - Ad

A little-known "loophole" has allowed a handful of regular Americans to legally collect over $109,200,000 in bonus cash. And today's your chance to join them. It doesn't matter how old you are or even how much money you make. And my research shows there's no way you can be denied from taking part in this opportunity.

South Africa plans to spend more on health and defense after the US cuts aid

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Lawmakers in South Africa laid out plans to shore up the budgets for health and defense but also put up value added tax by 0.5%, a move that will raise the cost of living as consumers pay more for goods, including food, and services.

Just Released: Huge New A.I. Trade - Ad

While everyone's distracted by Nvidia, PLTR & Bitcoin, billionaires have been quietly loading up on this stock. And 99% of Americans have no clue. It could help make a fortune for fast-moving investors, who make their move before May 13th.

Canada's Liberals will elect new leader to replace Trudeau as country deals with Trump's trade war

TORONTO (AP) — Canada's governing Liberals will announce a replacement for Prime Minister on Sunday as the country deals with U.S. President Donald Trump's and as a federal election looms.

Canada to name a new leader while dealing with Trump trade war

TORONTO (AP) — looks set to pick a measured former central banker to deal with the threats tariffs pose against a pillar of Western free trade.

Wall Street Pioneer's AI Warning: "I thought we had more time..." - Ad

A radical new AI development is about to blindside millions of Americans. This early pioneer just issued an urgent warning explaining everything.

Here's what tariffs are and how they work

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tariffs are in the news at the moment. Here's what they are and what you need to know about them:

Warning: China Launches AI Attack on America - Ad

China just launched what can only be described as an AI attack on America. And according to Louis Navellier, the legendary investor who picked Nvidia before shares exploded as high as 3,423%... President Trump is already planning a counter attack. And it's creating an incredible opportunity for you in this small group of AI stocks.

Palantir Cofounder Peter Thiel Might Write A Book About Ancient Prophecies, The Antichrist, And Armageddon - He Thinks We're Ignoring The Real Threat

Billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel is exploring a book on ancient prophecies, the Antichrist, and Armageddon, warning that society is ignoring the threat of a one-world government—a concern he believes demands urgent attention.

March 20th: The NEXT 50X Nvidia Call - Ad

In 2016 Louis Navellier made a big prediction regarding Nvidia's GPUs... Its stock price was a split-adjusted $1 and went up more than 7,000% at its peak. Don't miss Louis NEXT BIG Nvidia call. (Plus 6 stocks you need to own before March 20th.)

Tesla Out, Ford In: City Of Baltimore Goes 'In A Different Direction' Reversing EV Deal From 2024

Tesla is losing an EV city fleet deal in Baltimore to Ford. A look at what happened and how politics may have factored into the decision.

Elon's Biggest Secret Could Save Your Retirement - Ad

From a near-fatal car crash to surviving deadly malaria, Musk's fearless drive built Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink. Now, he's warning America--and smart investors are listening. Discover the Trump IRS Loophole to protect your IRA & 401(k).

Mark Cuban Once Questioned Whether Donald Trump Is Really a Billionaire

Mark Cuban once publicly challenged the legitimacy of President Trump's billionaire status.

China's foreign minister blasts the US over tariffs at his annual meeting with journalists

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Along with against the United States, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi reasserted China’s South China Sea claims, blasted Japan for its past aggression and covered a wide range of other issues during his annual meeting with the press. Here are some of the key topics covered during his Friday press conference.

Exposed: 3 Cent Crypto to Explode March 24th? - Ad

Chris Rowe, the man who spotted 44 different coins that have returned over 100%, is now making the biggest crypto call of his ENTIRE career.... Because a powerful crypto event will trigger on March 24th... Sending hundreds of tiny cryptos soaring 5X, 50X, even 100X -- in just days.

Trump has begun another trade war. Here's a timeline of how we got here

NEW YORK (AP) — Long-threatened from U.S. President have plunged the country into a trade war abroad — all while on-again, off-again new levies continue to escalate uncertainty.

The $240M AI Disruptor - Ad

This Nasdaq-listed company is redefining AI in the $124 billion smart glass market. From cockpit shading systems to energy-efficient building glass, their technology powers global leaders like Boeing, Mercedes-Benz, and National Geographic. Their projected $240M revenue from aerospace positions them as an AI-driven market disruptor you can't ignore.

Which US companies are pulling back on diversity initiatives?

A growing number of prominent companies have scaled back or set aside the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that endorsed following the protests that accompanied the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, a Black man, in 2020.

Broadcom Shares Jump 13% In After-Hours Trading On Strong AI Results - Gary Black Says, 'This Should Help AI Stocks Tomorrow

Broadcom Inc. shares jumped 12.82% in after-hours trading Thursday after reporting better-than-expected first-quarter results, recovering from a 6.33% drop during regular trading hours amid a broader artificial intelligence chip selloff.

The $20 Trillion Secret of Room 3330 - Ad

Developed by the U.S. military 79 years ago, this controversial technology is about to change American life forever: Elon Musk has already funneled $6 billion to resurrect this covert project -- and the companies involved are minting 10,000 millionaires every week [Goldman Sachs].

Elon Musk's DOGE Team Has Door Slammed On It At Africa Aid Agency Amid Raging Turf War

DOGE team members were denied entry to the U.S. African Development Foundation amid tensions over Trump's executive order targeting independent agencies.

Asian shares slip as investors brace for further uncertainty over tariffs, await US jobs report

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian shares were mostly lower on Friday, with Tokyo’s benchmark down more than $2 after a on Wall Street.

Trump's Tariff Move Has Created a Massive Opportunity for 401(K)S - Ad

As President Trump slaps China with new tariffs, the Fed is boxed in--and gold is skyrocketing just like it did during Trump's first term. JPMorgan just grabbed $4 Billion in gold bars... should you? Discover a "Tariff Assistance Loophole" to move funds from your IRA & 401(k) into gold--tax-free!

AT&T Confirms 2025 Targets, Cash Flow Strength And Debt Reduction Plan: Details

AT&T reaffirms 2025 financial targets, plans to execute long-term strategic plan. Expects strong first quarter of 2025, maintains dividend.

Trump's Crypto Reserve Plan Sparks Controversy, Schiff Questions XRP Inclusion, Polymarket CEO Invited To White House: This Week In Crypto

The crypto world was shaken as Trump's announcement of a U.S. cryptocurrency reserve sparked backlash from tech allies, criticism from economist Peter Schiff, and calls for a Congressional investigation into potential insider trading and market manipulation.

Why Trump's Recent Moves Could Ignite a New Gold Standard - Ad

Donald Trump's bold policies are driving a hidden gold market boom. Garrett Goggin, a renowned precious metals expert with 20+ years of experience, reveals 5 explosive investment opportunities set to explode in this new era. Backed by triple-digit returns in 2024, Garrett's insights show you how to position yourself for wealth in 2025.

Trump vs Musk? Federal Workers Unconvinced He'll Take Action: 'If They Don't Cut, Elon will, Comments Show Who's Really In Charge'

President Donald Trump has reportedly limited the authority of his billionaire advisor, Elon Musk, to dismiss federal employees. This development has stirred skepticism among the workforce and political circles.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright technicaltrading.org
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service