Making progress on Scotch whisky tariffs

Scotch whisky exporters stand to benefit as the Scottish Government continues to help secure an end to increased US tariffs, protecting hundreds of millions of pounds in trade.

Following his visit to Boston to support Scotland during their first World Cup finals since 1998, First Minister John Swinney will visit Kentucky to build on President Trump's commitment to remove the 10% tariff for whisky.

Scotland exports more whisky to the United States than to any other country, worth around £933 million.

Whisky exports to the US fell by 4% in value and over 9% in volume compared with 2024, making the removal of trade barriers such as tariffs a high priority.

During the visit, the First Minister will:

• co-host a lunch with key representatives of the US spirits industry to keep up momentum on the removal of tariffs on Scotch whisky
• undertake a visit to Kentucky Cooperage and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel
• tour a distillery with members of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus

First Minister John Swinney said:

"Scotch whisky and Kentucky bourbon share a deep, long-standing connection - they're two of the world's great spirits and of high value to their respective economies.

“Every year, millions of used bourbon barrels make their way from Kentucky to Scotland, where they're used to age some of the world's finest Scotch whiskies. The relationship between these two great spirits industries is genuinely symbiotic – each one helps make the other better.

“I have consistently made the case to exempt Scotch whisky from the 10% tariff and was pleased by the President’s announcement that he would remove the tariff for whisky following the State Visit earlier this year.

“My visit to Kentucky aims to build on both that shared heritage and President Trump's commitment to remove the tariff for whisky, in a very important overseas market for Scotch.”