Scotch whisky exporters could see significant gains as the Scottish Government intensifies efforts to secure the removal of US tariffs, safeguarding trade worth hundreds of millions of pounds.
Following his recent visit to Boston to support Scotland during their first World Cup finals appearance since 1998, First Minister John Swinney is set to travel to Kentucky to build on President Donald Trump’s commitment to scrap the 10% tariff on whisky.
The United States remains Scotch whisky’s largest export market, with shipments valued at approximately £933 million. However, exports have come under pressure, falling by 4% in value and more than 9% in volume compared with 2024, underlining the urgency of removing trade barriers.
During the visit, the First Minister will engage with key figures across the American spirits sector, including co-hosting a lunch with industry leaders to maintain momentum towards tariff removal. He will also visit Kentucky Cooperage and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel, and tour a distillery alongside members of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“Scotch whisky and Kentucky bourbon share a deep and long-standing connection. They are two of the world’s great spirits and are of enormous value to their respective economies.
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“Each year, millions of used bourbon barrels are shipped from Kentucky to Scotland, where they are used to mature some of the finest Scotch whiskies. The relationship between these two industries is truly symbiotic – each helps to enhance the other.
“I have consistently made the case for Scotch whisky to be exempt from the 10% tariff and welcomed the President’s announcement earlier this year that he would move to remove it following the State Visit.
“My visit to Kentucky is about building on that shared heritage and reinforcing the importance of this vital export market for Scotland’s whisky industry.”
