Scotch whisky producers have thanked King Charles III for his role in convincing former President Donald Trump to end tariffs on their products, a change that came into effect on Thursday. Distillers believe the King's efforts during a state visit to the U.S. in April will bolster exports that were valued at nearly £1 billion annually.
John Swinney, a representative for the industry, predicted a significant benefit for Scotch whisky exports, even as the U.S. President introduced new tariffs on goods from other countries on the same day. The agreement also removes tariffs on American bourbon and the approximately £200 million worth of Kentucky bourbon casks imported to the U.K. each year for maturing Scotch.
Ian Duddy, international director for the Scotch Whisky Association, stated that the return of tariff-free trade for Scotch whisky in the U.S. is positive news for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. He noted that the U.S. is Scotch whisky's most valuable global market, worth £933 million in 2025, and the removal of tariffs will enhance confidence for investment, export growth, and job support across Scotland and the United States. The impact extends beyond the whisky sectors to encompass wider supply chains, including cooperages, farmers, hospitality, and retail.
"On behalf of the Scotch whisky industry, we are grateful to everyone who worked to make this happen, including His Majesty The King during his recent state visit," Duddy added.
During his previous presidency, Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on single malt Scotch for 18 months, which is estimated to have cost the industry £600 million in exports. At the beginning of his second term last year, he introduced a 10 percent levy, which was scheduled to increase to 25 percent this year.
However, Trump abandoned this plan following the visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla, stating that he had removed "all the restrictions off" in their honor.
Swinney described the outcome as a victory for both Scotland and the United States. Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander also expressed his support for the efforts that led to this resolution.
The whisky industry is a significant employer, supporting 41,000 jobs in Scotland and an additional 25,000 across the U.K., with the U.S. market accounting for one-fifth of its exports by value. This development follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that declared Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs illegal. Despite this, his administration had implemented new import duties on over 60 countries, including the U.K., citing concerns over forced labor.