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Trump Lifts 10% UK Whisky Tariff After Royals Visit

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump announced on April 30, 2026 that the 10% tariff on United Kingdom whisky is lifted.
He said the decision was prompted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla after their White House visit.
Peter Kyle called it great news for Scotch industry, which supports thousands of UK jobs.
Jamieson Greer said the United States will grant duty access for UK whisky as part of the U.S.–UK economic prosperity deal.

History

Historical Context

U.S. tariff policy on spirits dates back to the 1791 excise tax that funded post-revolution debt, and modern regulation began with the 1988 Scotch Whisky Act and its 2009 replacement. In 2009 the Obama administration cut the Scotch duty from 27% to 10%, and on April 30 2026 President Trump announced removing the remaining 10%, echoing earlier trade-relief efforts.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump announced on April 30, 2026 that the 10% tariff on United Kingdom whisky is lifted.
He said the decision was prompted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla after their White House visit.
Peter Kyle called it great news for Scotch industry, which supports thousands of UK jobs.
Jamieson Greer said the United States will grant duty access for UK whisky as part of the U.S.–UK economic prosperity deal.

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