Scotch whisky producers have welcomed the removal of US tariffs on UK whisky, calling the move a significant boost for transatlantic trade and a long-awaited reprieve for the industry.
US President Donald Trump said he would lift the duties following the state visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, saying the royals had helped secure a result that others had been unable to achieve. The UK Department for Business & Trade confirmed the decision applies to all UK whisk(e)y, including whisky from Northern Ireland.
The change ends a 10% baseline tariff imposed in April last year, which industry bodies say has weighed heavily on exports. Data released by the Scotch Whisky Association in February showed global Scotch shipments fell 4% last year, while export volumes to the US dropped by more than 9% under the tariff burden.
Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “This government is about creating good growth in every postcode and backing business in every part of the UK to support jobs and boost living standards.
“This historic shipment demonstrates why trade deals with our largest economic partners matter. We will create more breathing space for business – whether that’s cutting unnecessary paperwork for exporters, or cutting bills for pubs.”
Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said: “The UK Government is delivering for Scotland with a shipment from Aberdeenshire being among the first to enter the US without tariffs.
“This is a very welcome day for the Scotch whisky industry. As the largest value market for whisky, the US is one of the most important for the sector. This trade milestone between the US and UK shows the bonds the countries have and the benefits from working closely in partnership.
“I’m sure many in Scotland and the US will be raising a dram today to celebrate the ending of tariffs on one of our most beloved and respected Scottish products.”
Nodjame Fouad, CEO of Pernod Ricard’s Aged Spirits and Champagne division, 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 iconic Scotch whiskies such as The Glenlivet, while supporting businesses at home, and strengthening the long-standing trading relationship between the UK and US spirits industries.
“We now hope to see further progress made towards the removal of tariffs affecting other spirits and wine categories – including Irish Whiskey, Champagne and Cognac – to deliver benefits for consumers, producers and hospitality businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.”
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Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said the industry had worked tirelessly to return to “zero-for-zero” tariff trade, adding that the special relationship between Scotch whisky and American whiskey would be reinvigorated by the announcement. Other industry voices also welcomed the move, describing it as a meaningful win for fair trade and a relief after months of uncertainty.
The decision is also expected to benefit the wider spirits ecosystem, particularly the trade in American white oak barrels used in whisky maturation. For producers on both sides of the Atlantic, the removal of tariffs should provide more certainty at a time when export markets remain under pressure and consumer demand is uneven.
