The ongoing tariff policies of the US administration are raising concerns among Japanese sake brewers, particularly in light of the recent Joy of Sake event held in Manhattan, New York. The event, organized by a US nonprofit, showcased over 500 varieties of sake, offering a platform for brewers from both Japan and the US to highlight their products.
Japanese brewers are particularly worried about the potential impact of the so-called reciprocal tariffs, which could affect their sales in the US market. A representative from a brewery in Niigata Prefecture expressed concern about the possibility of price hikes of up to 50%, noting that such increases could lead to reduced demand, especially considering the current economic climate.
One attendee of the event shared frustration over the potential for higher prices, calling the tariffs “ridiculous” and expressing hope that American consumers would continue to have access to quality sake.
While some Japanese breweries are directly affected by the tariffs, others are mitigating risks by producing sake in the US. For example, Asahi Shuzo, a brewery from Yamaguchi Prefecture, began brewing sake in New York two years ago. Despite not being directly impacted by the tariffs, the company acknowledged the challenges posed by high local production costs and the need to navigate US regulations and cultural differences.
Asahi Shuzo’s Dassai Blue brand now uses rice from Arkansas, which accounts for 60% of its grain supply for the New York production. Company chairman Sakurai Hiroshi noted that starting production in the US involved risks, but the move was necessary to meet the growing demand for Japanese rice wine in the country.
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