Toast to That: Trump Removes Some Whiskey Tariffs

President Donald Trump said he would remove some whiskey tariffs following a visit from King Charles III, a move that delivers a major trade concession to the U.K.

“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 said on social media April 30.

While details weren’t immediately available, Trump later told reporters at an event in the White House that “I just took all the restrictions off so Scotland and Kentucky can start dealing again. And I did it in honor of the king and queen, who just left.”

In a statement, the palace said Charles had been informed “informed of President Trump’s warm gesture and sends his sincere gratitude for a decision that will make an important difference to the British whisky industry and the livelihoods it supports.”

“His Majesty will be raising a dram to the President’s thoughtfulness and generous hospitality as he departs the U.S. after a most enjoyable State Visit for both Their Majesties in this special anniversary year,” the statement said.

Tariffs on Scotch whisky have been a major flash point between the U.S. and U.K. The U.K. had argued lifting the duties would benefit the U.S. bourbon industry because it exports used casks to Scotch producers, a trade exchange Trump cited in his social media post announcing the decision.

The move is a key win for the U.K. as it seeks to reaffirm the so-called special relationship at a moment when bilateral ties have sunk to one of their lowest points in decades. Trump has spent months criticizing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after he split with the president over the war in Iran and his threats to annex Greenland. 

In 2025, Scotland sent almost $1 billion of Scotch whisky to the U.S., its most valuable export market, according to data from the Scotch Whisky Association. 

“This deal is a significant boost” for the industry, said Mark Kent, chief executive of the group. “Distillers can breathe a little easier during a period of significant pressure on the sector.” 

Trump’s move will likely be seen as a key indicator for Charles of his ability to deliver results for the U.K. on foreign soil. While the monarch is intended to stay above the fray of day-to-day politics, Trump is widely known to be a longtime admirer of the British royal family. And it also marks a notable concession from Trump, who has broadly used tariffs as an economic tool for forcing trade negotiations, even among close allies.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney seized on Trump’s announcement as he looks to extend his party’s almost 20-year term in government in an election on May 7. Swinney had visited Trump in the White House last September, seeking to overturn the levies, which he said resulted in hurting the Scottish economy.

“Now, that hard work has paid off,” Swinney said in a statement.