The US has removed the tariff imposed by President Donald Trump on imports of scotch whisky into the country, following the visit of the King and Queen of the UK earlier this year.
The decision removes the levy of 10% on scotch from today (24 July), implementing what the Scottish Government has described as a “zero-for-zero tariff regime”. Scottish First Minister John Swinney last night praised the “remarkable contribution of the King and a ‘Team Scotland’ approach that saw the Scotch Whisky Association and the Scottish Government work hand in hand”.
In late April, the president announced in a post on his Truth Social platform (below) that King Charles and Queen Camilla, who had been on a visit to the US, had “got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!” He did not specify at the time, however, when the levy would be lifted.
Commenting on the news, the CEO of Pernod Ricard’s aged spirits & champagne division, Nodjame Fouad, said: “The return to tariff-free trade for scotch whisky between the UK and US – the world’s most valuable scotch whisky market – is very welcome news for our industry.
“This move will improve access for American consumers to … scotch … while supporting businesses at home, and strengthening the long-standing trading relationship between the UK and US spirits industries.”
Fouad also urged the removal of tariffs affecting other spirits and wine categories – including Irish whiskey, champagne and cognac.
Last year, the US market for scotch was worth GBP933m (US$1.25bn), according to figures from the Scotch Whisky Association.
Today’s change marks the second legislative shift in as many weeks for scotch exports. Last week, the UK-India free trade agreement took effect, resulting in the rate of duty reduced markedly on exports of UK spirits, including scotch, to India.
