Trump Lifts Whiskey Tariffs During Royal Visit
Amid the British Royal Family’s recent visit, President Donald Trump announced the lifting of tariffs and restrictions on whiskey this Thursday.
He stated that he imposed the tariffs on King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s behalf, following their four-day trip to the United States, which concluded on Wednesday after official visits to the White House and Capitol Hill.
Trump mentioned that this decision was influenced by Scotland’s collaboration with Kentucky to forge a trade agreement involving whiskey and bourbon—industries that hold significant importance for both regions.
“People have wanted to do this for a long time,” he said, noting that trade relations are strongly linked to the wooden barrels essential for storing and transporting spirits.
Last April, Trump had introduced a 10% “reciprocal duty” on various products from the UK, including alcohol.
In February, the Scotch Whiskey Association (SWA) revealed a troubling 15% decline in export volumes to the United States, which is the industry’s primary market, translating to a loss of £933 million. They also indicated that while there were fears tariffs might increase to 35% in July, the recent announcement would eliminate these tariffs entirely.
In contrast, a deal was reached last May allowing American spirits like bourbon to enter Britain without duties, provided there were concessions in other trade areas, such as beef and ethanol.
Mark Kent, the chief executive of SWA, expressed optimism that this announcement would rejuvenate the beneficial relationship between the Scotch and American whiskey sectors. “While challenges remain in our sector, we can now step up our efforts to enhance the benefits our two great industries bring to communities across both Scotland and the United States,” he added.
Kent also expressed gratitude to Trump for the work done by both nations over recent months to reach this agreement.
Trump, somewhat lightheartedly, remarked, “The King and Queen made me do things that no one else could do, with very little asking! It’s a great honor for both of us to come to America.”
