Donald Trump has announced he will remove tariffs on Scottish whisky following a visit from the King and Queen of the United Kingdom. The US president made the declaration on his Truth Social platform, crediting the royal couple for achieving what no one else could.
Royal Influence on Trade Policy
Mr Trump stated that while many had sought the removal of these tariffs for an extended period, the King and Queen successfully persuaded him. He wrote, "The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!" The decision came after King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit to the White House.
Impact on Scotch Whisky Industry
The US is the single largest market for Scotland's whisky, making this a significant development for the industry. Most Scotch producers rely on American oak casks for maturation, linking the Scottish and American bourbon industries. Mr Trump highlighted the importance of "Inter-Country Trade, especially having to do with the Wooden Barrels used."
Previous Lobbying Efforts
Both the Scottish and UK governments had been lobbying the Trump administration to end the tariffs. First Minister John Swinney previously visited the White House to press the case, following discussions during Trump's visit to Scotland last year. The announcement marks a victory for these diplomatic efforts.
In his social media post, Mr Trump said, "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."
