President Trump lifted tariffs on a major U.K. export Thursday, following a state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, which seemed to help improve transatlantic relations affected by previous political disagreements.
The U.K. government confirmed Friday that the changes would apply to all whisky tariffs, including those on Irish whiskey.
“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”
Following the announcement, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said, “People’s jobs were at stake. Millions of pounds were being lost every month from the Scottish economy … I express my thanks to the President for listening and acting to lift the tariffs. And Scotland is grateful to His Majesty the King for the key role he played in this tremendous success.”
Mark Kent, CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association, highlighted that the U.S. is the industry’s top export market.
“Distillers can breathe a little easier during a period of significant pressure on the sector. 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.”
The King and Queen wrapped up a four-day state visit to the U.S. on Thursday, which featured various engagements in Washington, D.C., such as the king’s address to a Joint Meeting of Congress and a state dinner.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
