Trump to remove Scottish whisky tariffs after King and Queen’s US visit

Donald Trump has said he will remove tariffs on Scottish whisky following a visit from the King and Queen.

The US president cited the Scotch industry’s relationship with the American bourbon industry and the impact of the royals’ visit to the White House. Most Scotch producers source their casks from the US.

Mr Trump said that while “people have wanted to do this for a long time” the King and Queen “got me to do something that nobody else was able to do”.

The Scottish and UK governments had been lobbying the Republican to end tariffs on the industry, as the US is the single biggest market for Scotland’s whisky.

First Minister John Swinney previously went to the White House to press the president following discussions during his visit to Scotland last year.

Confirming the news, Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: “In honor of the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, who have just left the White House, soon headed back to their wonderful Country, I will be removing the Tariffs and Restrictions on Whiskey having to do with Scotland’s ability to work with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Whiskey and Bourbon, two very important Industries within Scotland and Kentucky.

“People have wanted to do this for a long time, in that there had been great Inter-Country Trade, especially having to do with the Wooden Barrels used. The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!

“A wonderful Honor to have them both in the U.S.A. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

First Minister John Swinney said: “This is tremendous news for Scotland. As First Minister, I have made it my mission to do everything possible to lift US tariffs on our whisky.

“People’s jobs were at stake. Millions of pounds were being lost every month from the Scottish economy. Yet despite this, and despite months of trade talks, it was obvious to me that the UK Government had done little to raise the issue of Scotch Whisky, and the US President was not aware that there was an issue until he came here to Scotland.

“By meeting the President during his visit to Scotland and by going to Washington, to the Oval Office, we made Scotland’s case. We worked directly with the Scotch Whisky Association to get Scotland’s voice heard.

“And, we used every chance to drive our point home, not least the State Banquet hosted by His Majesty The King in London last September.

“Now, that hard work has paid off. I express my thanks to the President for listening and acting to lift the tariffs. And Scotland is grateful to His Majesty the King for the key role he played in this tremendous success.

“Scotland needs a government that is always on Scotland’s side.

“It needs experienced leadership that is focused on delivering and knows how to get things done at the very highest level.

“That is what we offer and today shows how important it is.”

Commenting as President Trump announced he has removed tariffs on Scotch Whisky in the United States, Chief Executive of the SWA Mark Kent said: “This deal is a significant boost for the Scotch Whisky industry in our most valuable export market. Distillers can breathe a little easier during a period of significant pressure on the sector.

“We are hugely grateful for the sustained efforts on both sides of the Atlantic. For months, many have worked tirelessly to return zero-for-zero tariff trade for whisky and bourbon. The special relationship that the Scotch Whisky and American Whiskey industries share will be reinvigorated by this announcement.

“While challenges in our sector remain, we can now redouble our efforts to boost the benefits our two great industries bring to communities across Scotland and the US.”