“The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!” Trump shared on social media.
Trump noted that there have been calls for this change, particularly concerning the wooden barrels used to age Scotch and bourbon. His announcement did not clarify whether the tariffs were being removed on Scotch bottles or on the materials required for alcohol production in both nations.
“I will be removing the Tariffs and Restrictions on Whiskey related to Scotland’s collaboration with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Whiskey and Bourbon,” Trump stated.
The White House did not respond to inquiries seeking clarification regarding the specifics of Trump’s announcement, although it was interpreted in Scotland and by industry advocates as signaling the removal of tariffs on Scotch.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer later indicated in a Thursday statement that the US would provide “preferential duty access for whiskey produced in the United Kingdom.” The administration did not promptly address questions about whether this implied the elimination or reduction of tariffs.
In 2025, the Trump administration established a trade framework imposing a 10% tax on most goods imported from Britain. The Scotch Whisky Association reported a 15% decline in its export volume to the US following the announcement of tariffs last April.
However, John Swinney, Scotland’s first minister, viewed the president’s remarks as a removal of tariffs on Scotch itself, labeling it a “tremendous success” for Scotland.
“People’s jobs were at risk. Millions of pounds were lost each month from the Scottish economy,” Swinney said, expressing appreciation to both Trump and King Charles III.
Trump has used alcohol as leverage in tariff discussions. Last year, he threatened a 200% tariff on European wine, a potential significant challenge for French and Italian vineyards that never materialized.
Other countries retaliated with threats against bourbon and other American goods.
Ultimately, the Trump administration exempted cork from tariffs, providing significant relief to Portugal, the premier supplier of the material for wine bottle caps.
Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council in the US, also interpreted Trump’s announcement as the removal of the 10% tariff on whisky from the United Kingdom.
“We applaud President Trump for working to bring back a proven zero‑for‑zero model of fair, reciprocal trade between our two nations,” Swonger stated. “This action fortifies transatlantic relations, delivers essential certainty to our industry, and allows spirits producers on both sides of the Atlantic to expand, invest, and support jobs during a crucial period.”
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