King Charles will be “raising a dram” to Donald Trump, Buckingham Palace says, after the US president announced the removal of tariffs on Scottish whisky. Mr Trump attributed his decision, announced on Thursday, to the intervention of the King and Queen Camilla during their state visit to America.
Industry Welcomes the News
Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scottish Distillers Association (SWA), has welcomed the news, saying that “distillers can breathe a little easier” following the development. The move is seen as a vindication for Downing Street's strategy to send the King on the trip, which was aimed at mending the UK-US special relationship and which some considered risky.
Trump's Praise for the Royal Couple
Mr Trump said that people had wanted Scottish whisky tariffs removed “for a long time”. However, the King and Queen “got me to do something that nobody else was able to do”. In response, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The King has been informed of President Trump’s warm gesture and sends his sincere gratitude for a decision that will make an important difference to the British whisky industry and the livelihoods it supports. His Majesty will be raising a dram to the president’s thoughtfulness and generous hospitality as he departs the US after a most enjoyable state visit for both their majesties in this special anniversary year.”
Government Reactions
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “This is great news for our scotch whisky industry, which is worth almost £1bn in exports and supports thousands of jobs across the UK. I have been advocating for lower tariffs on key exports like whisky, to protect vital jobs and iconic British brands while strengthening our relationship with the US.” Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also welcomed the announcement, saying on X: “We’ve been working for many months to secure this outcome for a key industry which supports thousands of jobs.”
Diplomatic Context
The White House and Number 10 have appeared to be at loggerheads, with the president regularly lambasting Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer about his stance over the US-Israeli war against Iran. But he has developed a rapport with the King and heaped praise on “fantastic” Charles and the UK’s historical ties with the US throughout the trip, and at one point was photographed affectionately touching Charles’s knee. The monarchy’s soft power diplomacy is seen as its strongest weapon in support of the UK’s overseas interests and it appears Mr Trump has been won over.
Trump's Announcement
Confirming the news, Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: “In honor of the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, who have just left the White House, soon headed back to their wonderful Country, I will be removing the Tariffs and Restrictions on Whiskey having to do with Scotland’s ability to work with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Whiskey and Bourbon, two very important Industries within Scotland and Kentucky. People have wanted to do this for a long time, in that there had been great Inter-Country Trade, especially having to do with the Wooden Barrels used. The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking! A wonderful Honor to have them both in the U.S.A. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Economic Impact
Mr Trump’s previous 25 per cent Scotch tariff between 2019 and 2021 resulted in the sector losing more than £600 million, or £1 million a day, the SWA said. The SWA has estimated the current 10 per cent tariffs are costing whisky firms £3m in lost exports each week. Mr Kent said: “This deal is a significant boost for the Scotch whisky industry in our most valuable export market. Distillers can breathe a little easier during a period of significant pressure on the sector. We are hugely grateful for the sustained efforts on both sides of the Atlantic. For months, many have worked tirelessly to return zero-for-zero tariff trade for whisky and bourbon. The special relationship that the Scotch Whisky and American Whiskey industries share will be reinvigorated by this announcement.”
