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Trump to remove whisky tariffs after King's visit
Donald Trump announced he would remove all tariffs and restrictions on whisky imports in honor of King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to the US, including restrictions on Scottish, Irish, and Kentucky whisky. The move was framed as lifting barriers to allow Scotland and Kentucky to work together on whisky and bourbon, with official confirmations and reactions from UK and Scottish officials.
Why It Matters
The tariff removal could ease pressure on the Scottish whisky sector and related industries in Kentucky, potentially boosting trade and reducing costs for distillers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Timeline
6 Events
Royal visit timeline referenced
April 30, 2026
The King and Queen spent four days in the US on a state visit hosted by Trump, visiting Washington DC, New York and Virginia, before they left the US on Thursday (April 30, 2026).
Industry impact and trade context
April 30, 2026
Graeme Littlejohn of the Scotch Whisky Association said distillers would breathe a sigh of relief and credited negotiations and the royal visit for helping to secure the deal. The article notes the main customer for Kentucky's used bourbon barrels is the Scotch industry, which imports around £200m-worth each year.
UK government reaction and context
April 30, 2026
The UK government confirmed the move applies to all whisky tariffs, including on Irish whiskey. UK business and trade secretary Peter Kyle described it as great news for Scotland's whisky industry, which is worth almost £1bn in exports and supports thousands of jobs.
Scottish response to tariff removal
April 30, 2026
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney called the move tremendous news for Scotland, saying millions of pounds were being lost every month from the Scottish economy, and thanked the King for his key role.
Palace reaction to tariff move
April 30, 2026
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King sent his sincere gratitude to Trump and that he will be raising a dram to the President's thoughtfulness.
Trump announces removal of whisky tariffs in honor of royal visit
April 30, 2026
Donald Trump said he would remove all tariffs and restrictions on whisky imports in honour of King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to the US. He noted the linkage between Scotland and Kentucky on whisky and bourbon, referencing wooden barrels and stating that, via a Truth Social post and a press conference, he had removed the restrictions so Scotland and Kentucky could start dealing again.