Whisky tariffs deal sparks political squabble over who claims credit
The US has agreed to remove tariffs on Scotch whisky imports, marking a significant trade development for Scotland's economy and sparking political debate over who deserves credit. President Donald Trump credited King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit for the policy shift, while UK and Scottish leaders contested the role of their respective governments. The deal, described as a zero-for-zero tariff agreement, also benefits US bourbon and used cask exports to the UK.
- ▪The US tariffs on Scotch whisky were costing the industry approximately £4 million per week, according to the Scotch Whisky Association.
- ▪The agreement is a reciprocal zero-tariff deal covering Scotch and Irish whiskey exports to the US and US bourbon and used casks entering the UK.
- ▪President Trump stated the policy change was made in honor of King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit, not due to political lobbying.
- ▪Scottish First Minister John Swinney claimed credit, stating he made lifting the tariffs a personal mission and had discussed it directly with Trump.
- ▪UK trade policy is managed at the national level, but both the UK government and Scottish leaders have asserted their roles in achieving the outcome.
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Whisky tariffs deal sparks political squabble over who claims creditJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleGlenn CampbellScotland political editorReutersDonald Trump had King Charles had persuaded him to change policyThe removal of tariffs on whisky imports to the US matters both economically and politically in Scotland.President Donald Trump said he was taking the step in honour of King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to the US.But with less than a week to go before the Scottish election, the welcome for the announcement was accompanied by competing claims about who can take credit for the deal.Economically, whisky is a major export for Scotland and the wider UK.The Scotch Whisky Association estimates that the US tariffs were costing the industry about £4m a week.
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