US lifts tariffs on Scottish whisky following royal visit, Trump confirms
Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump said that he canceled some tariffs on whiskey after the visit of Britain's King Charles III, which is a major trade concession to London, according to Bloomberg.
“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," Trump wrote on social media.
Although details are not yet known, the president later told journalists that he had already removed all restrictions so that Scotland and Kentucky can start cooperating again. Trump emphasized that he did this in honor of the king and queen, who have just left.
Buckingham Palace has already reacted, saying that King Charles III was informed of President Trump's warm gesture and expresses his gratitude for the decision, which will significantly impact the British whisky industry and the livelihoods it supports. To clarify, Scotland is part of the UK.
"His Majesty will be raising a dram to the President’s thoughtfulness and generous hospitality as he departs the US after a most enjoyable State Visit for both Their Majesties in this special anniversary year," Buckingham Palace added.
According to Bloomberg, tariffs on Scotch whisky became one of the main points of contention between the US and Britain.
Earlier, the UK argued that lifting the tariffs would benefit the American bourbon industry, as it exports used barrels to Scotch whisky producers. And it is precisely this trade exchange that Trump referenced in his social media post.
This move is a victory for London as it seeks to reaffirm the special relationship at a time when US-UK ties have fallen to one of their lowest levels in decades.
According to data from the Scotch Whisky Association, in 2025, Scotland shipped nearly $1 billion worth of Scotch whisky to the US, making it its most valuable export market.
King's visit to the US
Britain's King Charles III, along with Queen Camilla, arrived in the US on April 27 for an official visit. It was the first visit by a British monarch to the US since 2007, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
The leaders' meeting at the White House was held behind closed doors. The reason was fears of a repeat of the scandal that occurred with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in February 2025.
Charles addressed the US Congress, calling for support for Ukraine. The media noted that in this speech, the king issued an encrypted challenge to Trump regarding Ukraine and NATO.
