THERE will be a “significant benefit” for Scottish producers as US tariffs on imports of Scotch whisky are lifted from today, John Swinney has said.
The 10% tariff on whisky was lifted on Friday. However, Donald Trump’s administration imposed a new 10% tariff on UK imports for other goods, reigniting trade fears.
The US president announced in April that he would remove the whisky tariff following the state visit by the King, although John Swinney was later praised by Trump for his long-running negotiation on the issue.
However, a row was sparked after the Westminster Labour party attempted to both take credit and disparage Swinney's claim of victory.
Swinney had discussed the tariff situation with Trump in person last year, once during his visit to Scotland and again in the Oval Office in September.
"Congratulations John - you were a very big part of my thinking on the matter of Scotland/Kentucky! President DJT", read a text message sent to the First Minister on the night the announcement was made in April.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Friday, 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.
“There’s obviously a range of other tariffs being applied by President Trump. But for Scotch whisky, the tariffs are gone.”
The largest industry body also welcomed the removal of tariffs.
Ian Duddy, international director at the Scotch Whisky Association, 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.”
The US is Scotland's largest whisky export partner and many of Scotland's producers use casks imported from the US.
Trump’s previous 25% Scotch tariff between 2019 and 2021 resulted in the sector losing more than £600 million, or £1m a day, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) previously said.
