Kentucky Nation’s Leading Whiskey Exporter
Commonwealth continues overall export growth with $33.1 billion in 2019
FRANKFORT, KY. – As Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry continues to boom, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that the commonwealth is the nation’s leading exporter of whiskey, which includes bourbon and rye, according to 2019 export reports.
Gov. Beshear made the announcement while filling the 16th millionth barrel of Jim Beam at Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont Monday.
“We are immensely proud of our signature bourbon industry, and thanks to its national and global appeal, Kentucky’s exports of whiskey hit an all-time high of $485 million last year,” said Gov. Beshear. “Our bourbon is now a multibillion-dollar signature industry, which helps support our families with more than 20,000 jobs and an annual payroll topping $1 billion.”
Overall in 2019, Kentucky exports also continued to grow, reaching more than $33 billion in goods and services shipped abroad.
“Our state continues making its mark on the global economy,” Gov. Beshear added. “Having bested our own export records eight of the past nine years signifies that Kentucky is headed in the right direction. We will work to continue expanding market opportunities for the benefit of businesses throughout the commonwealth.”
Kentucky led all states in whiskey exports in 2019 at $485 million. That total marks a 326.5% increase since 2004, aided by the bourbon industry’s exponential growth across the past decade-plus. The state exported whiskies to 93 countries throughout the year, with Japan ($91 million), the United Kingdom ($85 million), and Germany ($68 million) serving as Kentucky’s top three markets in the sector.
Canada retained its spot as Kentucky’s top export destination, importing more than $7.7 billion in goods and services. The United Kingdom ($3.55 billion) jumped to second on the list, as Kentucky increased exports to the country by nearly 20% compared to 2018.
France, Brazil and Mexico make up the rest of Kentucky’s top five 2019 export destinations.
