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 rise to 25% for single malts. The deal also allows US bourbon and casks to enter the UK tariff-free.
Scotland's first minister, John Swinney, called it a “win on both sides of the Atlantic”. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) said the tariffs had cost the industry about £150m, with the US market worth approximately £933m in 2025 – more than any other country for Scotch exports.
“Trump lifts 10% Scotch whisky tariff after King Charles's state visit, sparking row over whether credit goes to monarch or first minister.”
Emily Weaver Rhodes, SWA deputy director, told BBC Radio Scotland that the removal demonstrated “the positive relationship between the US and UK”. She added: “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. I think on both sides of the Atlantic we are raising a dram to celebrate.”
Trump’s announcement in April that he would drop the whisky tariffs sparked a political row over who could claim credit for changing his mind. Swinney said he had raised the issue with President Trump during a previous meeting in the Oval Office. But political opponents accused him of taking credit for the deal over King Charles.
The first minister said the outcome came courtesy of the “remarkable contribution of the King” and a “Team Scotland” approach. “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,” he said.
The tariff relief comes as Trump hit hundreds of international trading partners with a new wave of levies, underscoring the delicate nature of trade relations. For now, Scotch whisky producers can toast a rare victory – though the question of who truly secured it remains unsettled.