A 10% tariff on Scotch whisky imported into the United States was lifted on Friday, a move First Minister John Swinney said will bring a "significant benefit" for Scottish producers. The removal follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump in April, after the state visit of the King and Queen.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Swinney said: "From today, there are no tariffs on Scotch whisky going to the United States, which is a significant benefit for the Scotch whisky industry. The industry was being harmed by the existence of tariffs from the United States." He acknowledged that other tariffs imposed by President Trump remain, but for Scotch whisky "the tariffs are gone."
Impact on jobs and investment
Speaking to the Press Association, the First Minister described the tariff removal as a "very, very welcome development" for the industry and the Scottish economy. "The industry has been suffering very challenging times recently, and tariffs simply made those challenges even more acute," Mr Swinney said. "The effect of that is to result in the loss of jobs here in Scotland, but also in the United States, where we have relationships around the cask trade. So, the removal of tariffs will be good for jobs and investment and the economy of Scotland, and I welcome the progress that's been made."
Broader tariff concerns
While welcoming the whisky tariff removal, Mr Swinney criticised the Trump administration's newly imposed 10% tariff on UK imports for other goods. "Obviously, I'm not a supporter of tariffs. I believe in free trade, so the application of tariffs under whatever description they come with is unwelcome," he said. He added that the other tariffs are "not helpful for our economy," but on Scotch whisky, he was glad the removal was achieved, as tariffs were resulting in job losses and reduced opportunity in Scotland.
Industry reaction
The Scotch Whisky Association also welcomed the removal. Ian Duddy, international director, said: "The return of tariff-free trade for Scotch whisky in the US is welcome news for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. As Scotch whisky's most valuable global market, worth £933 million in 2025, the removal of tariffs provides greater confidence to invest, grow exports, and support jobs and communities across Scotland and the US. From Kentucky to Speyside, this will not only benefit the Scotch and US whisky sectors, but our wider supply chains of cooperages, farmers, hospitality and retail. This outcome is testament to the strength of the enduring relationship between the UK and the US. 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."
