King Charles will be raising a dram in celebration after US President Donald Trump announced he will remove tariffs on Scottish whisky. The decision, which Trump attributed to the intervention of the King and Queen Camilla, came shortly after their state visit to the United States concluded.
Relief for distillers
Mark Kent, chief executive of the Scottish Distillers Association (SWA), expressed relief at the move, stating that "distillers can breathe a little easier" following the announcement. The development is seen as a vindication of Downing Street's decision to send the King on a trip that some had viewed as highly risky, aimed at repairing the UK-US special relationship.
Trump remarked that while "people have wanted to do this for a long time," it was the King and Queen who "got me to do something that nobody else was able to do."
Royal response
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson responded: "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 welcome
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle welcomed the news, saying: "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."
The White House and Number 10 have often been at odds, with Trump regularly criticising the Prime Minister over the US-Israeli war against Iran. However, Trump developed a rapport with the King, heaping praise on the "fantastic" Charles and the UK's historical ties with the US throughout the visit. At one point, he was photographed affectionately touching Charles's knee, underscoring the monarchy's soft power diplomacy.
Economic impact
Trump's previous 25% tariff on Scotch whisky, in place from 2019 to 2021, cost the sector more than £600 million, equating to £1 million per day, according to the SWA. The current 10% tariffs have been costing whisky firms an estimated £3 million in lost exports each week.
Confirming the news on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: "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."
Mark Kent added: "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."
