The Scottish government has welcomed the lifting of tariffs on Scotch whisky exports to the United States, a move that came after King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to the US in April. President Donald Trump agreed to remove the 10% levy, which had been imposed in April 2025 and was due to increase to 25% for single malts.
The deal also means US bourbon and casks will arrive in the UK tariff-free. Scotland's first minister John Swinney called it a "win on both sides of the Atlantic", adding that it benefits businesses and workers not just among whisky producers but also the communities that support the sector across Scotland.
“US lifts 10% Scotch whisky tariff after King Charles's state visit, hailed as a win for Scotland.”
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) said the tariff had cost the industry about £150m, with the US market worth around £933m in 2025. Scotland exports more whisky to the US than any other country.
Emily Weaver Rhodes, SWA deputy director, told BBC Radio Scotland that the removal showed the positive relationship between the two countries. "There are really strong grounds and good evidence for why this is important not just for the UK, but for the US economy and that is delivering on the president's ambition to create jobs," she said. "I think on both sides of the Atlantic we are raising a dram to celebrate."
The announcement in April that Trump would drop the whisky tariffs sparked a row over who could claim credit. Swinney said he had raised the issue with the president during a meeting in the Oval Office, but political opponents accused him of taking credit over the King. The first minister said the deal came courtesy of the "remarkable contribution of the King" and a "Team Scotland" approach, adding: "We were able to partner with the bourbon industry in the United States, raise the issue with President Trump in the Oval Office, and get this issue on his agenda."
The tariff removal comes as Trump hit hundreds of international trading partners with a new wave of levies, underscoring the delicate balance of trade relations.