Trump to Remove Tariffs on Scotch Whisky

U.S. President Donald Trump will remove the import tariffs on Scotch Whisky following a state visit this week from King Charles. In a Truth Social post, the President cited the King’s influence for the move.

Tariffs have been fluctuating between 10% and 15% since March of 2025, when Trump imposed blanket tariffs on most imported goods. While the Supreme Court overturned many of his emergency tariffs, the United Kingdom still faced an across-the-board 10% tariff on Scotch Whisky and other goods.

The Scotch Whisky Association has estimated the cost of the tariffs to the industry at £4 million per week. In a statement, SWA chief executive Mark Kent called the decision a significant boost for the industry.

“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.”

Distilled Spirits Council CEO Chris Swonger was thrilled with the announcement.

“The removal of the 10% tariff on UK whisky would be a major victory for American hospitality businesses that are deeply impacted by international trade. The United States and the United Kingdom share a deep and enduring spirits tradition built on generations of craftsmanship, agriculture and market access. We applaud President Trump for working to restore a proven zero‑for‑zero model of fair, reciprocal trade between our two nations. This action strengthens transatlantic ties, brings much‑needed certainty to our industry and allows spirits producers on both sides of the Atlantic to grow, invest and support jobs at a critical time,” he said in a statement.

The tariffs caused a decline in Scotch whisky exports to the U.S., the number one export market for Scotch Whisky by value. In addition, the tariffs hurt trade in used Bourbon barrels going to Scotland. Kentucky Distillers Association president Eric Gregory cited that trade in applauding the end of tariffs.

“This action restores reciprocal, tariff-free trade between our historic spirits and is especially important for Kentucky, as Scotch distillers have long been the largest export market for Kentucky’s used Bourbon barrels.” 

The announcement covers more than just Scotch Whisky, though. It also covers all whiskies produced in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

This story will be updated as more reaction comes in.