Scotch whisky levy lifted as Trump imposes new wave of US tariffs

Scotch whisky levy lifted as Trump imposes new wave of US tariffsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Trump agreed to lift whisky tariffs after the King's state visit to the US in AprilPublished1 hour agoThe Scottish government has welcomed the lifting of tariffs on Scotch whisky exports to the United States.The move comes as President Donald Trump hit hundreds of international trading partners with a new wave of levies.The deal will also see US bourbon and casks arriving in the UK tariff-free. Scotland's first minister John Swinney said it was a "win on both sides of the Atlantic".Trump agreed that he would lift the tariffs after King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to the US in April.The US had originally imposed a 10% levy on Scotch whisky in April 2025. This had been due to increase earlier this year to 25% for single malts.Trump to remove whisky tariffs after King's visitPublished1 MayWhisky tariffs deal sparks political squabble over who claims creditPublished1 MayScotland exports more whisky to the US than any other country.The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) said it had cost the industry about £150m, with the US market worth about £933m in 2025.Emily Weaver Rhodes, SWA deputy director, told BBC Radio Scotland that the removal of tariffs showed the positive relationship between the US and UK.She said: "There are really strong grounds and good evidence for why this is important not just for the UK, but for the US economy and that is delivering on the president's ambition to create jobs."I think on both sides of the Atlantic we are raising a dram to celebrate."The deal will also see Kentucky bourbon barrels – which are used to age Scotch whisky – come to the UK without tariffs.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, John Swinney said he raised the issue of tariffs during a meeting with Donald TrumpFirst Minister John Swinney said: "This a win for Scotland and a win for the United States."&...