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Trump Halts UK Whisky Tariff Increase, Restores Free Trade

5/2/2026

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Summary

Trump Ends Whisky Tariff

On April 30, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the United States will end the 10% UK whisky tariff, stopping a planned rise to 25% in June.
The move restores tariff-free trade for Scotch and Irish whiskey between the United States and the United Kingdom.
John Swinney said the tariffs cost Scotland millions and thanked the president.
The Kentucky Distillers Association welcomed the decision, noting U.S. producers buy bourbon barrels.

Summary

Greer Cuts Tariffs

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the Prosperity Deal will drop tariffs, grant duty access for UK whiskey, and open markets to British beef, pharma and ethanol.
Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr called it a bourbon victory and said it could aid his Senate run.
The White House declined comment on whether the lift covers Scotch, Irish whiskey or barrel-trade components, while analysts view the deal as a broader transatlantic push.

History

Historical Context

Decades of transatlantic liberalization—from the 1960s Kennedy Round that slashed tariffs by about 35%—have shaped today’s US-UK trade agenda. A bipartisan bill re-introduced on 27 Feb 2025 and the May 8 2025 Prosperity Deal revive the push for broader market access, echoing earlier efforts such as the stalled TTIP negotiations. The United States and United Kingdom have long pursued trade agreements, reinforcing the pattern.

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Trump Ends Whisky Tariff

On April 30, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the United States will end the 10% UK whisky tariff, stopping a planned rise to 25% in June.
The move restores tariff-free trade for Scotch and Irish whiskey between the United States and the United Kingdom.
John Swinney said the tariffs cost Scotland millions and thanked the president.
The Kentucky Distillers Association welcomed the decision, noting U.S. producers buy bourbon barrels.

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