Trump's visit ends with 'no deal' to remove Scotch whisky tariffs

Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK has ended with no deal to remove tariffs on Scotch whisky.

There was no update on the tariffs despite weeks of diplomatic efforts from John Swinney, including at Wednesday night’s state banquet.

Speaking at Trump’s visit came to an end, the First Minister said he had succeeded in putting whisky tariffs “firmly on the trade agenda” but was still awaiting updates on a deal.

“I have been clear about the importance of building a constructive relationship with the United States to promote the economic interests of Scotland, particularly the Scotch whisky industry”, Swinney said.

“While we await further updates on whisky tariffs, I am pleased we have succeeded in putting it firmly on the trade agenda.

“But now that the state visit is coming to its end, it is vital that the UK Government maintains focus on whisky.

“For my part, I will continue to make the case for our whisky industry and the mutually beneficial deal that is on the table. I stand ready to continue to make that case to both the US and UK governments.”

The First Minister previously said he took “every opportunity” to plead the case at a state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday night.

The Scottish Government has been arguing that Scotch whisky should be exempt from the standard 10% duty charge when it is imported to the USA, as it can only legally be produced in Scotland.

It hoped that zero-for-zero tariffs on spirits could be reached as part of the ongoing UK-US trade negotiations.

Politics

Donald Trump says US and UK are ‘united in the pursuit of peace’

It’s the final day of Trump’s unprecedented second state visit.

The US President’s historic second state visit ended with a major investment deal between the US and the UK, as Trump and Sir Keir Starmer signed a “ground-breaking” technology prosperity deal into force.

Trump said a new tech deal would help the US and UK “dominate” in the world of artificial intelligence (AI) as Starmer hailed a “new era” for the special relationship.

The tech prosperity deal signed at Chequers will see US firms invest in the UK and boost co-operation on AI, quantum and other emerging technologies.

Trump said: “This agreement will also help America and our British allies dominate the future of artificial intelligence.”

He pointed out the US is “leading China and the world by a lot” on AI.

The tech deal includes joint research programmes to develop models in areas such as biotechnology, precision medicine, cancer, rare diseases and fusion energy.

Nasa and the UK Space Agency will develop AI models for space exploration, while both countries plan to co-ordinate on AI policy, exports and workforce training.

The agreement further links the UK’s AI Security Institute with the US Centre for AI Standards and Innovation to promote secure AI innovation.

The state visit has seen US firms commit to invest £150 billion in the UK alongside the tech prosperity agreement and co-operation on nuclear power schemes.

America’s top technology companies announced £31 billion of investment, including £22 billion from Microsoft to fund an expansion of Britain’s AI infrastructure and the construction of the country’s largest AI supercomputer.

Google committed £5 billion of investment, and Nvidia boss Jensen Huang hailed a “big week for AI in the UK” as the US chip giant agreed to deploy 120,000 advanced processors across the UK to help the British AI sector.