* Tequila is present in more than 120 countries. In 2024, the main export destinations, in addition to the United States, were Spain, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Italy, Australia, and Colombia.
Zapopan, Jalisco, March 4, 2025.- With the enforcement of a 25 percent tariff on Mexican products entering the United States, including Tequila, the Tequila Regulatory Council, A.C. (CRT), warns that the competitiveness of Mexico’s iconic national beverage in its primary market will be impacted. Consequently, the tequila industry must explore innovative strategies to mitigate the effect on consumers while also expanding into new markets.
As we have previously emphasized, expanding into new markets remains a priority for the tequila agroindustry this year, alongside strengthening its presence in existing markets. It is important to note that tequila is exported to more than 120 countries and, as an Appellation of Origin, is recognized and protected under intellectual property rights in 57 nations. Currently, work is underway to add protection to Turkey, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, Bolivia, Paraguay, South Korea, Angola, and the African Intellectual Property Office (OAPI). This will undoubtedly allow tequila to continue diversifying its markets,” stated Ramón González Figueroa, general director of the CRT.
In 2024, 400.3 million liters of tequila were exported, 84 percent of which went to the United States, representing a 4.1% increase compared to the previous year.
The United States is a key market for tequila and serves as a hub, acting as a gateway to other countries. With rising tariffs, it is reasonable to expect that distributors will explore alternative export routes and diversify their markets. However, the American consumer will be the most affected since tequila is a product produced only in Mexico,” stated the director of the CRT.
In addition to the United States, the main destinations for tequila in 2024 were Spain, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Japan, France, Italy, Australia, and Colombia.
The Tequila Regulatory Council will closely monitor the Mexican government’s response to this issue. We hope that the United States government will reflect on and act as a guarantor of the agreements of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Together, the three countries could continue to consolidate North America as an important economic block.
