Trump to lift tariffs on scotch whisky after king’s US visit | Trump tariffs

In a move following King Charles’s state visit, Donald Trump announced the US will remove all tariffs on whisky imports.

“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,” Trump said in a social media post.

Tariffs and Trade

The US and the UK previously agreed to a deal in 2025 allowing Washington to impose a 10% tariff on most British goods. This was a reduction from an initially announced rate of 27.5%. Trump stated on Truth Social that the King and Queen “got me to do something nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!”

Trump described whisky and bourbon as “two particularly important Industries within Scotland and Kentucky,” noting that “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 Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) reported that the tariffs had been costing the industry £4 million per week. Last year, Diageo, the parent company of brands like Johnnie Walker, Talisker, and Lagavulin, reduced production at some distilleries due to lower demand. On Thursday, the SWA called the removal of tariffs a “significant boost” for the industry, stating that distillers could “breathe a little easier during a period of significant pressure on the sector.”

The announcement followed King Charles’s state visit, during which he received a warm reception from both the White House and Congress. In a speech before Congress, Charles emphasized the importance of American leadership, stating, “America’s words carry weight and meaning, as they have since independence. The actions of this great nation matter even more,” and described the relationship between the US and UK as “truly unique.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the removal of the whisky tariffs?

According to a post on social media, Donald Trump said he removed the tariffs “In Honor of the King and Queen of the United Kingdom” following their recent state visit.

What impact have the tariffs had on the whisky industry?

The Scotch Whisky Association estimates the charges cost the industry £4m a week, and Diageo reduced production at some distilleries last year due to lower demand.

Was this the first trade agreement between the US and the UK?

No, a trade deal was negotiated in May 2025, but it initially included a 10% baseline tariff on most British goods, including whisky.

How might this decision influence future trade negotiations between the US and the UK?