Trump’s Parting Gift: End to Scotch Whisky Tariff
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump bid farewell to Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the South Lawn of the White House on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
The United States will remove its import tax on Scotch whisky from the United Kingdom, President Trump announced Thursday following a visit from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The tariff, currently set at 10 percent, had been scheduled to increase to 25 percent in June after an earlier trade agreement expired. According to reports, President Trump said he decided to drop the tax in honor of the visiting British monarchs, adding that the change came during their meeting with little prompting.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the United States will provide preferential duty treatment for whisky made in the UK, along with similar measures affecting select American and British goods. The UK Department for Business and Trade later clarified that the adjustment applies specifically to the whisky itself and does not include related items such as barrels.
Industry leaders in both countries welcomed the decision. UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle described the move as positive news for the Scotch whisky industry, which he valued at nearly 1.3 billion dollars in exports and supporting thousands of jobs. The Scotch Whisky Association noted that exports to the United States had dropped by about 15 percent under tariffs imposed during President Trump’s second term, adding that efforts to restore zero tariffs on whisky and bourbon had been underway for months.
Chris Swonger, head of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, said removing the 10 percent duty would provide a meaningful boost to bars, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses across the country.
King Charles and Queen Camilla departed Thursday from Joint Base Andrews following a formal farewell ceremony at the White House.
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