JOHN Swinney will use his meeting with Donald Trump to push for stronger US pressure on Israel and to seek trade concessions for key Scottish exports.
Swinney is expected to urge the US president to back an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and increase humanitarian aid access during a meeting on Tuesday.
The First Minister is also reported to have accepted an invitation to have dinner with the president on Monday night.
Swinney is expected to make the case that the “blunt human reality” of starvation in the enclave requires urgent international action.
“There must be an intensification of pressure on Israel,” Swinney said in a BBC interview. “President Trump is ideally positioned – perhaps uniquely positioned – to ensure safe passage for humanitarian aid and push for a durable ceasefire. The people of Gaza face absolutely unbearable conditions.”
Swinney will also press Trump to exclude Scotch whisky from the current 10% US tariff on UK exports. He argued the “uniqueness” of Scottish whisky production merits special exemption.
“It can only be produced in Scotland. It’s not a product that can be produced in any other part of the world," Swinney said.
“So there’s a uniqueness about that, which I think means there is a case for it to be taken out of the tariffs arrangement that is now in place.
“Obviously the trade deal with the United States provides a degree of stability for economic connections with the United States, but the application of tariffs is increasing the costs for the Scotch whisky industry.
“So one of my objectives will be to make the case to President Trump that Scotch whiskey should be exempted from those tariffs.
“It’s a product that is uniquely produced in Scotland, and it’s a product that is much welcomed and supported within the United States.
“And I think there’s a really good case for exempting Scotch whisky, and this is an opportunity that I have to put that case to President Trump on behalf of the Scotch whisky industry, which is a significant part of the Scottish economy.”
Swinney said the tariffs are currently costing the industry around £4 million each week, describing them as a “significant burden”. He added that reaching a deal would support economic growth and development in Scotland.
“Obviously, I’ll be using every opportunity I have to try to put that across to President Trump," he continued.
His interventions come as Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets Trump for broader discussions on the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and the future of UK-US trade.
While a recent UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal eased some barriers, tariffs on British steel remain unresolved. Industry leaders had feared a hike to 50%, but the current 25% rate still poses challenges, particularly with no new agreement following a July 9 deadline set by the Trump administration.
Downing Street said both governments are working "at pace" to provide long-term certainty for UK industry and deliver tangible benefits to workers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Trump is also expected to discuss the war in Ukraine with Starmer, including coordinated efforts to pressure Vladimir Putin to end the invasion. After their meetings in Ayrshire, the pair will travel to Aberdeen for a private engagement.
Trump struck a trade deal between the US and EU during his meeting with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Turnberry on Sunday. The agreement introduces a 15% tariff on most EU goods entering the US – down from a previously threatened 30% – and includes significant energy commitments.
