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Trump Lifts 10% Scotch Whisky Tariff After Royal Prompt

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump announced the removal of the 10% tariff on Scotch whisky imported from United Kingdom after King Charles III and Queen Camilla prompted it.
The May 2025 tariff cut Scottish whisky exports to the United States by about 15% and cost the industry roughly £4 million weekly.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the removal is part of an agreement that grants the United Kingdom preferential duty access for its whiskey.

History

Historical Context

The United States has a long tradition of taxing spirits, from Alexander Hamilton’s 1791 whiskey excise to the 10 % tariff placed on English whisky on 2 April 2025. That same year India and the UK reduced English whisky tariffs from 150 % to 75 %, showing a broader move toward lower duties that frames recent U.S. whisky-tariff discussions.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump announced the removal of the 10% tariff on Scotch whisky imported from United Kingdom after King Charles III and Queen Camilla prompted it.
The May 2025 tariff cut Scottish whisky exports to the United States by about 15% and cost the industry roughly £4 million weekly.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the removal is part of an agreement that grants the United Kingdom preferential duty access for its whiskey.

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